Dareu Firefly vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, to the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, it's clear that they each offer unique benefits. The Firefly switch from Dareu provides a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and subtle clickiness, making it a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the Sage switches from Kailh offer a heavy weight and sharp clickiness that some may find invigorating and crunchy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Kailh Sage are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate used for their top housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In this aspect, users can expect a similar sound experience from both the Firefly and the Sage due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Firefly and the Sage differ slightly. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sage also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced. This common choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent feel and sound profile when pressed.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Firefly and Kailh Sage plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a crisp and resonant sound, they differ in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in the Firefly and the Sage results in switches that excel in providing distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback for a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Sage, which has an unspecified actuation force. On the other hand, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offers users varying typing experiences. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Firefly would be the ideal choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without strain. In contrast, the Sage provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sage has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Sage's 3.6 mm, which may be preferred by some individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress. However, the shorter travel distance of the Sage can provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
The Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a chirpy and unique acoustic signature with a subtle clickiness that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch provides a crunchy and sharp clickiness that is more pronounced and distinct, giving typists a satisfying tactile and audible feedback with each keystroke. While both switches offer a different sound profile, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force offers a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating feel with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump of the Sage switch provides a high feedback intensity that is distinctly felt with each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to whether you prefer a light and easy typing experience or a more pronounced and immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a quieter typing experience with a light actuation force, while the Sage delivers a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback with a heavier actuation force. Both switches have their strengths, and the decision between the two would depend on individual preferences and typing needs. It's important to consider factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and overall typing experience when choosing between these switches to ensure the best match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and minimal resistance, the Firefly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier typing feel with a distinct clicky sound and sharp tactile feedback, the Sage switch could be more suitable. Consider your typing needs, preferences, and environment when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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