Dareu Firefly vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, stands out for its unique design that combines ease of actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a quiet yet engaging feedback while typing. Its "chirpy" characteristic lends a playful element to your keystrokes without the loud noise typically associated with traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, a linear switch, focuses on a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a feather-light touch. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity during extensive typing sessions, as it offers a more subdued acoustic profile. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Firefly emphasizing tactile feedback and the Sakura highlighting a seamless experience. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and Huano Sakura switches utilize distinct materials for their top housing, which greatly influences their auditory qualities and resonant characteristics. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, a choice known for its ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent match for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that heighten the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs POK top housing, a polyketone material recognized for its smoothness and superior wear resistance. Though both materials are high-quality, the Firefly aims for a crisper sound profile, while the Sakura emphasizes durability and a smooth tactile experience.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a shared material: nylon. This traditional housing material is characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Both the Firefly and Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to similar sound profiles when typing. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a more muted and round sound, contrasting with the sharper notes produced by the differing top housing materials. As such, while each switch has unique sound qualities associated with the top housing, the common use of nylon in the bottoms ensures that both switches deliver a consistently rich and warm sound profile during operation.
While the top housing materials yield different sound characteristics — with polycarbonate providing brightness and POK contributing smoothness — the bottom housing of both switches unifies them through their shared nylon construction. This dual-material approach allows the overall performance of each switch to reflect their respective strengths. The distinct audible effects when pressing down on each switch can be attributed to the interplay between the top and bottom materials. As a result, users can expect a dynamic yet cohesive typing experience from both the Dareu Firefly and Huano Sakura, merging the advantages of both individual materials to create a satisfying tactile and auditory response.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out characteristics, which may cater to varying user preferences. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it relatively light, while the Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This lighter actuation in the Sakura may make it a more appealing option for those who prioritize comfort during prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Firefly lacks specified information about its bottom out force, rendering a direct comparison impossible in that regard. In contrast, the Sakura's bottom out force is rated at 45 grams, indicating a firmer response when fully pressed down. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might find the Sakura more satisfying due to its increased bottom out resistance, while the lighter actuation force of the Sakura could provide a more effortless experience overall. Therefore, while the Firefly offers a heavier actuation feel, the Sakura provides a combination of lighter actuation and a heavier bottom out force, appealing to a different segment of users.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Firefly provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a deeper actuation and a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Sakura’s shorter travel distance may entice gamers and those seeking quick response times, as it encourages faster key presses. Thus, if you are looking for a more pronounced keystroke, the Firefly would be the better option due to its longer travel distance, whereas the Sakura could be preferable for those wanting swifter reactions.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 stands out with its unique chirpy acoustic signature, which is characterized by a subtle squeak rather than the traditional resonant click often associated with clicky switches. This makes it a quieter option that still maintains a bit of personality, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch has medium acoustics, providing a more subdued sound profile that is less intrusive during longer typing sessions. The sound quality of any switch, including these two, can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, plate material, and keycap choice, so personal setup can also play a significant role.
Regarding feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press design, which requires minimal force for actuation. This light actuation not only enhances responsiveness but also ensures a comfortable experience during extended typing, allowing for reduced finger fatigue. The gentle resistance provided by the Firefly helps create a nice balance between feedback and comfort. In comparison, the Sakura switch's feel is less discussed, but linear switches, in general, are known for their smooth actuation without tactile feedback, providing a consistent keypress experience from top to bottom.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly and the Huano Sakura switches offer distinct experiences tailored to user preferences. The Firefly provides a unique sound profile with chirpiness and an easy-to-press feel, making it great for those who prefer a light and responsive switch. The Sakura, while lacking detailed descriptions on sound and feel, maintains the smoothness characteristic of linear switches ideal for prolonged use. Ultimately, while selecting between these two, consider your typing style and environment, as both can deliver enjoyable results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you lean towards a quiet yet engaging typing experience, the Firefly is an excellent option, particularly if you enjoy the tactile feedback with a subtle click. Its easy-to-press nature makes it ideal for long writing sessions, allowing for minimal finger fatigue without the dominance of a loud click, making it suitable for quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and lighter touch while typing, the Sakura switch's 45-gram bottom-out force offers an effortless experience that could enhance your overall efficiency during extended use. Its medium acoustics strike a balance that may suit those who enjoy a bit more sound without the distractions of a prominent click. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard to decide which switch better meets your needs.
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