Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two distinct approaches to typing experience. The Firefly, being a tactile switch, is celebrated for its light actuation and subtle clickiness, allowing for a satisfying feel without the classic loud click often associated with such switches. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback that helps in typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch known for its smooth operation and “thocky” sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a seamless keypress with no tactile bump. Its medium weight provides a balanced experience perfect for both gaming and typing, combining a premium feel with affordability. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Firefly for those who appreciate a tactile touch with minimal noise, and the Smoothie for those seeking a fluid and quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable distinctions highlight how each contributes to the overall sound profile of the keyboard switches. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a bright auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. This distinction in materials means that while both switches can create enjoyable auditory sensations, the Firefly will provide a sound that is more pronounced and vibrant, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans toward a warmer and subtler auditory experience.
Turning attention to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become even clearer. The Firefly employs a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie also features a POM bottom housing, which, like its top housing counterpart, aims to create a unique sound profile that remains on the deeper side. The use of POM in both top and bottom housings for the Sea Salt Smoothie suggests a cohesive auditory experience, contrasting with the more varied sound characteristics provided by the Firefly's different materials for top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct housing materials in both switches plays a significant role in shaping user experience. While the Firefly's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing allows for a well-rounded acoustic signature, the Sea Salt Smoothie's uniform POM housings create a consistent sound profile across the switch. If one were to seek a similar auditory experience from the Sea Salt Smoothie as they would from the Firefly, they might find the deeper, muted sounds more cohesive yet less vibrant compared to the Firefly's sharper top sound. In both cases, keypress feedback is influenced by the bottom housing, but due to their different materials, the auditory feedback during release will vary notably between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Firefly requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch that can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means we can’t directly compare how much force is required when pressing the switches all the way down. However, the lighter Firefly would likely provide a quicker and easier keystroke activation, while the heavier Smoothie would deliver a firmer feedback, catering to different user preferences. Overall, the Firefly's lighter actuation force makes it a better choice for extended use, while the Smoothie's heavier force could be appealing for those who like a more pronounced push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This slight difference indicates that those who prefer a more substantial and traditional feel while typing may gravitate towards the Firefly, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times and a more streamlined feel, which can lead to more rapid typing or gaming actions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference—whether one values the hearty depth of the Firefly or the responsiveness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch presents a unique auditory experience. While it lacks the resonant click associated with traditional clicky switches, it is characterized by a faint chirp, which provides a subtle, almost playful acoustic signature during typing. This chirpy aspect sets it apart from more pronounced clicky switches, making for a quieter experience that still maintains some character. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a thocky sound profile, which is a deeper, more satisfying thud with a mellower tone. When combined with the right keyboard and keycaps, both switches can project distinct sound qualities, but they cater to different auditory preferences.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Firefly switch is designed for ease of use. Its light actuation force offers a smooth and comfortable experience, making it ideal for extended typing without causing finger fatigue. This effortless engagement ensures that key presses feel satisfying yet not taxing, which can enhance overall typing efficiency. In contrast, specific details about the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie switch remain unknown. However, linear switches typically provide a very smooth experience with no tactile bump, which can also lead to a comfortable typing experience under certain circumstances.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch brings a distinct, chirpy sound and a user-friendly feel that promotes fatigue-free typing, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile coupled with potentially smooth key engagement. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and typing experience, but the choice may ultimately come down to personal taste and typing style. If you’re looking for a more vibrant auditory signature with a lighter touch, the Firefly is a solid option. Conversely, if you prefer a deep sound and potentially smoother engagement, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be worth considering.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a switch that allows for effortless typing with a hint of tactile response, the Firefly is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation and quiet, chirpy sound profile make it suitable for environments where noise is a concern, yet you still want some feedback as you type. This makes the Firefly ideal for office spaces or shared environments where you may be typing for extended periods, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for smooth and consistent keystrokes with a more pronounced sound signature, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to suit you better. Its thocky acoustic profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing, while its all-POM construction ensures durability and a premium feel. This switch is well-suited for gaming or casual use where sound is less of an issue and smoothness is prioritized. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs for typing comfort and sound preference, allowing you to create a personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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