Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Smoothie stand out for their unique characteristics. The Firefly is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press and chirpy switch. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch made of all-POM material, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and subdued 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
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and Gateron Smoothie both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, perfect for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to individuals who prefer a quieter typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches allow for RGB lighting due to their translucent nature, giving users the option to customize their setup.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Firefly's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing delivers a similarly deep and muted sound, catering to individuals who enjoy a quieter typing experience. While both housing materials offer unique qualities, such as sound absorption and impact on bottom-out sound, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and Gateron Smoothie offer users the opportunity to choose a switch that best fits their preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound with POM, both switches provide a unique typing experience. Regardless of the housing material used, users can expect a high-quality switch that combines durability, functionality, and aesthetics to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the information is not available for either switch, so it is unclear which one requires more force to press all the way down. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between switches, as a lighter actuation force like the 40 grams found in both switches allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, which is ideal for work or gaming. On the other hand, some users prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, without the specific data on bottom out force, it is difficult to determine which switch would cater to those seeking a more forceful typing feel. Ultimately, if the bottom out forces are equal or similarly unknown for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and preference.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Smoothie the shorter of the two switches. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness, while a 3.0mm travel distance is shallower and offers faster response times. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quick actions, while others may find longer travel distances more comfortable due to the added depth. In this case, the Dareu Firefly would be better suited for those looking for a slightly deeper keypress experience, while the Gateron Smoothie would be preferred by those seeking a quicker response time.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, providing a light actuation with a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch boasts a thocky sound signature, with a deep and satisfying tone that is low-pitched and subdued. While both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall sound characteristics of your keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and uniform keystroke experience that is effortless and seamless. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Firefly focusing on low-impact typing and the Smoothie emphasizing a silky smooth sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly offers a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Smoothie provides a thocky sound and buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, you can achieve similar results with either switch, as they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Firefly and Smoothie switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, the Firefly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound, smooth keystrokes, and a more buttery typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be the better option. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Experimenting with different switches can help you find the one that best suits your typing needs. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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