Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the KTT Semi Mute are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Firefly, a tactile switch, offers a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, providing an easy-to-press feel with a chirpy sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, a linear switch, boasts completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology for a buttery and muted typing experience. While the Firefly is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Semi Mute is perfect for individuals who prioritize a noise-free environment and a neutral, gratifying typing feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Firefly and the Semi Mute, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. However, the Firefly utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a rounder and duller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Semi Mute's bottom housing.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing gives it a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This showcases how different housing materials can influence the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, the Firefly and the Semi Mute demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound produced by mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the inclusion of nylon in the Firefly's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding the role of each housing material in contributing to the overall sound profile can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their setups.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Semi Mute is heavier at 58 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Semi Mute switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer either a lighter or heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar level of key travel experience for users. Users can expect to feel the same amount of key depression when using either of these switches. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for consistency in typing feel and performance, regardless of which switch is chosen. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and reliable typing experience with their matching travel distances.
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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is known for its chirpy sound, providing a unique acoustic signature with a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for noise-free environments, especially during late-night typing sessions. The Semi Mute switch also has a neutral sound profile suitable for a variety of typing intents and purposes. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing by reducing finger fatigue and providing a low-impact, responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for effortless and uniform typing sensations. The Semi Mute switch also offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone for most users.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound with easy-to-press key presses, while the Semi Mute offers a muted sound profile with a buttery, mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both can deliver similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a completely silent operation with a medium actuation force, along with a smooth and uniform typing sensation, then the Semi Mute switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment to ensure that you select the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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