Dareu Firefly vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Durock T1 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that stands out for its quiet operation and light actuation with a subtle clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 also falls under the tactile category but offers a medium bump when pressed down, producing a sound akin to rain falling on a window. Its stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished attributes make it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and satisfying 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Durock T1 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The T1 also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, each switch differentiates itself with a nylon bottom housing. The split between the bottom and top housing affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel upon key press, and the top housing impacting the sound upon key release. Both the Firefly and T1 benefit from the unique qualities that each housing material brings to the table, creating a versatile typing experience that combines sharpness and depth in sound. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate for a clear and resonant sound or the softer nylon for a fuller sound profile, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Durock T1 showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a distinctive sound profile for mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, they each offer a different experience with a nylon bottom housing. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper sound, while the T1's nylon bottom housing offers a rounder sound quality. Both switches demonstrate the impact of housing materials on typing experience and sound production, highlighting the importance of choosing the right materials for a desired sound profile. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon, these switches provide users with a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different options for users based on their preferences. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the T1's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Firefly does not provide a specific measurement, whereas the T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the T1 with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force compared to the T1, which provides a heavier bottom out force option for users seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in their travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Firefly and the T1, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their tactile switches.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 chirpy and unique acoustic signature, giving it a distinct sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press actuation, offering minimal force requirement and gentle resistance during key presses. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock T1 tactile switch provides a stepped and accented tactile feel that is not too overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish of the switch further enhances the typing experience by ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Durock T1 tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the T1 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stepped and accented tactile feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, you can achieve different results with each switch. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on the window, the Durock T1 tactile switch could be more to your liking. Consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when deciding between these two switches to find the best option for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both the Dareu Firefly and Durock T1 offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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