Dareu Firefly vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Dareu Firefly and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provide distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Firefly switch is favored for its unique approach to clicky switches, offering a light actuation paired with a subtle, almost chirpy tactile feedback that makes it an excellent choice for those who desire a quiet yet engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in delivering a smooth and refined keystroke that many enthusiasts crave, distinguished by its neutral sound profile that produces a pleasurable "thock." This switch is particularly appealing for users who appreciate durability and low wobble, thanks to its dustproof stem design. While both switches deliver an impressive typing experience, they cater to different user preferences in terms of sound, feedback, and tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
The Dareu Firefly and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and aesthetic appeal of both switches. Polycarbonate's unique properties make it an excellent choice for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting in a more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, both switches can showcase RGB lighting effectively, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. Since both switches share this material for the top housing, users can expect similarly bright and sharp sound characteristics, making them well-suited for those looking to enhance their keyboard setups with vibrant lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Firefly and Sticky Rice (V2) are both constructed from nylon, a material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbs sound more effectively, offering a duller and rounder auditory experience. This sound absorption is critical during typing, as it contributes to the overall feel and sound when bottoming out. Though both switches provide distinct auditory elements—sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top and fuller sounds from the nylon bottom—this combination allows users to enjoy a balanced sound profile that embodies both the clarity of the top and the warmth of the bottom.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom creates a unique sound dynamic in both the Dareu Firefly and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches. If one were to use these switches in tandem or in a keyboard, the differing qualities of each housing would produce a full-bodied sound experience, merging the high pitch and clarity from the polycarbonate tops with the deeper, rounder notes from the nylon bottoms. Consequently, while the Firefly and the Sticky Rice (V2) may have different branding and designs, their material compositions result in comparable sound profiles that combine clarity and warmth, ultimately delivering a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both switches feature an actuation force of 40 grams, providing a similar keystroke trigger feel that can accommodate longer typing sessions for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, the key distinction lies in their bottom out forces; while the Firefly's bottom out force is unavailable, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a light bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a firmer feedback when fully pressed down, catering to users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Everglide switch provides a heavier overall experience due to its defined bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a substantial typing feel, while the Firefly may cater to those looking for a softer, less definitive bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Firefly offers a more traditional feel with a deeper keypress, appealing to those who favor a substantial tactile response. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may be more suited for gamers seeking faster activation and a more responsive typing experience. For users who prioritize speed and quick response times during gameplay, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be the preferred choice. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes and might find shorter distances abrupt, the Firefly is the better option. Therefore, the Firefly has the longer travel distance, making it ideal for those valuing a hearty keypress, while the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who prefer the rapid responsiveness of a 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 switch exhibits a unique, chirpy acoustic signature that differentiates it from traditional clicky switches. This chirpy sound results from its subtle actuation, which lacks the typical pronounced click but provides an endearing hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch possesses a neutral sound signature, described as producing the desirable "thock" noise that many enthusiasts cherish. The Sticky Rice's sound profile is less defined in terms of descriptors but leans towards offering a more subdued and balanced auditory experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a more refined sound while typing. The differences in sound can significantly depend on the keyboard setup and choice of keycaps, but generally, users can expect a quieter and unique chirp from the Firefly versus a mellow thock from the Sticky Rice.
In terms of feel, the Firefly tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press design, which presents gentle resistance during key presses and requires minimal force for actuation. This quality contributes to a comfortable typing experience, effectively reducing finger fatigue during long sessions and enhancing overall enjoyment while typing. In contrast, the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile sensation somewhat ambiguous. However, the emphasis on a super smooth keystroke and reduced stem wobble suggests a pleasant typing experience. Thus, while the Firefly actively promotes ease of typing with its low actuation force, the Sticky Rice likely offers a similarly comfortable yet distinct tactile feedback that may be appreciated by users who favor smoothness for rapid typing.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Firefly's chirpy auditory cue and light actuation force create an easy and enjoyable typing experience, while the Sticky Rice seeks to balance sound and tactile feedback with its thock sound and smooth keystroke. While the Firefly excels in providing an effortless typing experience, the Sticky Rice may appeal more to those who value a refined tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, offering unique qualities that align with diverse typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a quiet yet unique typing experience, the Firefly switch will be a superb fit for you. Its chirpy sound adds character without the disruptive noise typically associated with clicky switches, making it ideal for those who frequent shared spaces or simply prefer a more subdued auditory profile while enjoying a responsive, easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a versatile switch that offers a satisfying “thock” sound and a smooth keystroke with a more substantial feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely be your go-to option. Its balanced typing experience, complemented by a reliable 50-gram bottom-out force, caters well to users who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you want your keyboard to perform and sound, guiding you into your ideal mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
