Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Speed Silver. The Firefly stands out for its unique take on clicky switches, offering a quiet typing experience with a subtle hint of clickiness. It is known for being easy to press and having a chirpy feel, making it a favorite among those looking for a smooth and light actuation. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is favored by those seeking a fast and precise typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance, these linear switches provide a polished and neutral sound profile. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 the TTC Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through the housing. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Speed Silver differ in their choice of material. The Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Speed Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics as the Firefly in terms of depth and fullness.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the depth and impact of the sound when bottoming out a key, are felt more when pressing down on the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Both the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Speed Silver offer a blend of polycarbonate and nylon housings to create a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences in terms of sharpness, depth, and overall sound quality.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is not provided, while the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light pressure required to fully press the key. The lighter actuation force of the Firefly may be preferred by those who type for long periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Speed Silver with its slightly heavier actuation force and defined bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Firefly's 4mm. The 3.4mm distance of the Speed Silver is ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Firefly's longer 4mm travel distance provides a more traditional and deeper feeling when pressed. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences. Those who prioritize speed may lean towards the TTC Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Dareu Firefly.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding 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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, giving it a distinct acoustic signature. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments and preferences. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound of the switch can be further influenced and customized to your liking. Both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Firefly being chirpy and the Speed Silver being neutral.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press characteristic, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The TTC Speed Silver switch, on the other hand, provides a mild typing experience with a polished feel due to its smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, making typing effortless and comfortable for most users. While the Firefly offers a light and easy-to-press feel, the Speed Silver provides a polished and approachable typing experience.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Speed Silver switches offer distinct experiences for users. The Firefly is characterized by its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Speed Silver boasts a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, users can choose between the light and clicky nature of the Firefly or the fast and precise actuation of the Speed Silver. Overall, both switches provide quality performance and can be customized further with different keyboard setups to achieve desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a new take on clicky switches that offer a very quiet and light actuation, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, choose the Firefly for a unique, easy-to-press typing experience, or opt for the Speed Silver for a mild and polished typing feel. Consider your typing style and preferences when selecting between these two switches to enhance your overall typing experience.
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