Dareu Firefly vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Firefly, known for its tactile feedback, provides a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky nature, offering a more energetic and responsive typing feel. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Salt Ice switch does not have a specific categorization listed. When deciding between these two switches, consider whether you prefer a light and quiet typing experience or a more vibrant and clacky feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. However, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to create a rounder tone. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Firefly and Salt Ice results in a variance in sound and feel when typing on these switches. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound profile. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches' polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound upon key release, providing a consistent high-pitched tone.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and Jerrzi Salt Ice share a polycarbonate top housing that results in similar sound characteristics, the differences in their bottom housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences. The Firefly offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Salt Ice maintains a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Firefly will require less pressure to register a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, so it is unclear which one will provide a heavier typing feel when pressing all the way down. When comparing the actuation force, the Firefly would be the lighter option while the Salt Ice would be the heavier option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm while the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Firefly's 4.0mm travel distance provides more depth for those who prefer a more substantial press, whereas the Salt Ice's 3.4mm travel distance is ideal for those seeking a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Salt Ice switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster keystrokes. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences for keystroke 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 unique chirpy sound that is different from the classic clicky switches. This chirpy characteristic sets it apart, giving it a distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's sound quality is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison. However, both switches will provide a different auditory experience, with the Firefly being more subtle and the Salt Ice potentially offering a louder and more pronounced sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is lauded for its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to activate the switch. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The responsive and low-impact typing feel of the Firefly switch enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, based on the description, the Salt Ice switch likely offers a smooth and effortless keystroke similar to the Firefly, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Firefly excels in providing a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience with its unique chirpy sound, while the Salt Ice stands out with its bright, clacky characteristics and light touch. Depending on whether you prefer a more subdued or vibrant typing experience, both switches are sure to deliver quality performance in their respective areas. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with both offering a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright, clacky feedback with effortless actuation and a vibrant typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
