Dareu Firefly vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly mechanical keyboard switch is a tactile switch that offers a unique take on clicky switches, providing a light actuation with a hint of clickiness while remaining very quiet. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material, offering a smooth typing experience with a deeper sound signature. The Firefly is best suited for those looking for an easy-to-press switch with a chirpy feel, while the Snow caters to individuals who prefer a thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Dareu Firefly and the Dareu Snow feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the Snow stands out with its POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Snow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience. Both switches utilize materials that absorb sound differently, resulting in varying sound profiles.
In terms of durability, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing may not be as strong as the Snow's POK material, which boasts wear resistance superior to POM and shock resistance surpassing Nylon and POM. While both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective top and bottom housing materials, the Snow's POK material stands out for its exceptional strength and longevity. On the other hand, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing may provide a softer typing feel compared to the Snow's nylon bottom housing, adding a distinct tactile element to the typing experience of each switch.
While the Firefly and Snow share similarities in their choice of housing materials, each switch offers a unique blend of qualities that set them apart. The Firefly's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a balanced sound profile with a clear and resonant quality. In contrast, the Snow's POK top and nylon bottom housing offer a smooth, clacky, and durable typing experience. Whether it's the sharper sound of the Firefly or the smoothness of the Snow, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the overall typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Firefly does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Snow has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Firefly may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Snow might appeal to users who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force, while the Snow provides a heavier bottom out force for different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Snow's 3.3 mm. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience, while the Snow's 3.3 mm offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Firefly with its longer travel distance, while those who prefer a more responsive touch may opt for the Snow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Firefly provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Snow's shorter travel distance.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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, adding a bit of character to its quiet nature. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a deep and thocky sound, thanks to its innovative use of POK material for a richer sound profile. While the Firefly brings a light and almost clicky feel, the Snow offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a different typing experience altogether. Both switches have their own distinct sound qualities, catering to different preferences and environments.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to the keys when pressed. These different tactile experiences cater to users who prefer different levels of feedback and responsiveness in their switches.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly provides a chirpy and light feel with a quiet nature, the Snow offers a thocky and deep sound with a bouncy tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to suit their needs. It's important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Firefly or Snow switch, users can expect a quality typing experience with their chosen Dareu mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should think about your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear feel with a medium bottom out force, the Snow switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
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