Dareu Firefly vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Firefly is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness without the loud sound signature typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Sky POM is a linear switch crafted from premium POM material, offering a clacky sound, smooth operation, and a gentle actuation force. While the Firefly is praised for being easy to press and chirpy, the Sky POM is characterized by its buttery feel, low-pitched sound, creamy operation, and silky smoothness. When deciding between these switches, consider whether you prefer a quieter, tactile experience with the Firefly or a smoother, clackier feel with the Sky POM. 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
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and Dareu Sky POM both utilize different materials for their top housing, with the Firefly using polycarbonate and the Sky POM using POM. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, POM produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Sky POM opt for nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's soft and sound-absorbing properties. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. By using nylon for the bottom housing, both switches are able to offer a consistent typing experience with a focus on producing a more substantial sound while typing.
When considering the overall sound experience of the switches, it's important to note how the top and bottom housing materials play a role in creating different aspects of the sound. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing contributes more to the sound when releasing a key. With the Firefly and Sky POM utilizing different top housing materials but the same nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a distinct combination of sharpness and depth in sound quality when typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on either switch is identical. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to determine which switch requires more force to press all the way down. In terms of weight, some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, without knowing the bottom out force of either switch, it is hard to definitively say which one is lighter or heavier. Overall, for those looking for a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, both the Firefly tactile switch and the Sky POM linear switch would provide comparable results.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM, which may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypress may opt for the Firefly. Overall, both switches offer a balanced travel distance that caters to different preferences, providing a similar typing experience with slight variations in feel.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound with a unique squeak that sets it apart from other switches, providing a distinctive acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, creating a different auditory profile. Both switches offer contrasting sound characteristics, giving users the option to choose based on their sound preference, whether they prefer a lighter, chirpy sound or a deeper, low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances the overall typing feel. These switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with ease.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a chirpy sound with easy actuation or a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, both switches provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, allowing users to customize their mechanical keyboard based on their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preference for a light actuation with a hint of clickiness versus a clacky sound with exceptional smoothness. If you value a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force, the Firefly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a buttery, creamy, or silky smooth typing experience, the Sky POM switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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