Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, we find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Firefly from Dareu is renowned for its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness without the traditional loud sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches from TTC offer a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the Firefly may appeal to those who prefer an easy-to-press and chirpy switch, the Silent Brown may be more suitable for individuals seeking a buttery, mild, muted, and polished typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Silent Brown switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing. However, the Firefly and the Silent Brown differ in their bottom housing material, with the Firefly using nylon and the Silent Brown also using polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in their bottom housing material. While the Firefly utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing, the Silent Brown sticks to polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. The varying housing materials result in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences for the two switches. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Brown may allow for a clearer and more resonant bottom-out sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the Firefly creates a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In terms of typing experience, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the Firefly's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a clearer and more resonant bottom-out sound. However, both switches share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Despite these differences, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Firefly may provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Silent Brown offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the Silent Brown may require more force to fully press down, resulting in a different typing experience compared to the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Firefly having a slightly longer travel distance than the Silent Brown. Gamers may prefer the Firefly for its slightly longer travel distance, as it can provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may lean towards the Silent Brown with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 switch offers a chirpy and unique acoustic experience, with a light actuation and minimal clickiness. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a muted and softer sound profile, resulting in a quieter typing environment. Both switches focus on reducing noise, but the Firefly adds a bit of character with its chirpy sound.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Silent Brown switch also has a mild and polished feel, creating a comfortable and approachable typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, with the Firefly focusing on light actuation and the Silent Brown on smooth key travel.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Brown switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Brown delivers a muted sound and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a pleasant typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown switch may be the better choice. Nonetheless, both switches offer quality and comfort for typing enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and quiet typing experience, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be a great choice. With its light actuation and subtle clickiness, it offers a pleasant typing experience without the loud clicky sound typical of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile switch with a satisfying bump and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, making it a great option for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the Firefly and Silent Brown switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
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