Dareu Firefly vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Seashell are both unique mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Firefly is a tactile switch known for its quiet and light actuation, offering a subtle clickiness without the traditional loud clicking sound. On the other hand, the Seashell is a linear switch with a stunning purple hue that provides a clacky and feathery typing experience, perfect for long sessions. While the Firefly is easy-to-press and chirpy, the Seashell is easy-to-press, polished, and high-pitched. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, making them suitable for different individuals based on their preferences. 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
1.20 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
Nylon
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 Seashell, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing component to the keyboards. Thus, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences from both the Firefly and Seashell when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Firefly opts for a nylon material while the Seashell follows suit. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as its softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience on both keyboards, influencing the impact of bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. With both keyboards featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, despite the differences in their bottom housings, the Dareu Firefly and Jerrzi Seashell keyboards offer a comparable typing experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both keyboards deliver a sharp and crisp sound profile with the top housing material influencing the sound when releasing a key. The variation in bottom housing materials adds depth to the typing experience, with nylon contributing to a fuller sound profile that differs slightly from the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, users can customize their typing experience based on their preference for sound and feel by choosing between these two keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. When it comes to weight preference, those who enjoy a lighter touch may find the Firefly more to their liking for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Seashell with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of distance, the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a good balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Seashell's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Firefly providing a bit more depth and the Seashell offering quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for its quiet and light actuation, offering a subtle and gentle typing experience without the traditional clicky sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch presents a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and percussive typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Firefly is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Seashell switch is noted for being feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light and effortless typing experience that is comfortable for extended sessions. Additionally, the Seashell switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a quieter and light actuation experience, while the Seashell offers a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a feathery and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you prefer a subtle and gentle typing experience or a sharp and percussive sound, both switches are designed to cater to different typing styles and preferences, providing an enjoyable typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light actuation force with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing sound, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery feel with a sharp and snappy sound, the Seashell switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience appeals to you the most, whether it be a light and quiet feel or a more vibrant and audible typing experience.
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