Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Red offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch known for its light actuation and subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch prized for its smooth and seamless typing feel, with a muted sound profile perfect for shared spaces or office settings. While the Firefly excels in providing a light and clicky feedback, the Silent Red offers a buttery 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it is translucent. On the other hand, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Red also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
Despite both switches sharing the same top housing material, their differences in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials mean that the characteristics of each material will be felt differently when interacting with the switches. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can influence the typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Red share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing provides a rounder and duller sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound profiles and typing sensations can help users make informed decisions when choosing mechanical keyboard switches for their specific preferences and needs.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Firefly does not have a specified value, while the Silent Red has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Firefly may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Red with its heavier actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of force required, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. The 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel and typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, while those who prefer a more substantial key press and feel may opt for the Firefly. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Firefly providing a bit more depth to each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 has a chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, providing a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Depending on your preference, the Firefly will give you a more distinctive sound while the Silent Red will keep things subtle and unobtrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This switch enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. With a mild typing sensation and a polished finish, the Silent Red switch ensures a seamless and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly switch will give you a unique chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, perfect for those looking for a light and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile and a buttery, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, and the choice between them will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. If you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, especially in shared spaces like an office or apartment, the TTC Silent Red switches are an excellent choice with their muted sound profile and buttery feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light actuation with just a hint of clickiness and easy-to-press keys, the Dareu Firefly switches might be more to your liking. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when deciding between the two. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and TTC Silent Red switches will depend on what typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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