Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Strawberry offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy in sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry is a linear switch loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with a low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of typists. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Strawberry, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Firefly differs in its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The contrasting housing materials of the Firefly and Strawberry impact the overall sound and feel of the keyboards. While the polycarbonate top housing in both models contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, the differences in bottom housing material provide distinct typing experiences. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound upon key press, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with this material. These variations in housing materials offer users the opportunity to choose a keyboard that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Ultimately, the use of different housing materials in the Firefly and Strawberry keyboards demonstrates how even subtle differences can have a noticeable impact on sound and feel. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate in the top housing for its clarity and resonance, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. These distinctions allow users to tailor their typing experience based on the specific qualities they prioritize in a keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the actuation force of the Firefly is lighter at 40 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making the Firefly require less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Strawberry is heavier at 62 grams while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Firefly may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Strawberry switch with its heavier bottom out force might be more appealing. In cases where the bottom out force of the Firefly is similar to or lower than the Strawberry, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same level of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Firefly or the Strawberry, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 subtle auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a different auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and setup, the choice between a chirpy sound and a low-pitched sound can make a significant difference in the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force can enhance typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. The choice between easy-to-press and frictionless typing can greatly impact the typing speed and overall comfort for the user.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Strawberry offers a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can cater to different needs and preferences. It is important for newcomers to consider these subjective qualities along with factors such as board choice and keycaps to determine which switch would best suit their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preference for noise level, actuation force, and typing experience. If you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Strawberry may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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