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Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Taichi

An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Taichi offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Firefly is celebrated for its tactile feel that strikes a balance between quiet operation and a subtle clickiness—ideal for users who appreciate feedback without disturbing their surroundings. With its easy-to-press design, it caters to gamers and typists who enjoy a responsive typing experience but prefer a more subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is renowned for its linear switch characteristics, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that provide an exceptionally smooth keystroke with a high-pitched bottom-out sound. This makes it a great option for those who prioritize fluidity and speed over tactile feedback, often preferred by gamers who require swift key presses during intense gameplay. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, yet 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

40g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

21mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of both the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Taichi demonstrate a striking similarity that significantly influences the sonic characteristics of each switch. Both switches feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which is renowned for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional brightness when illuminated. Thus, users of both switches can expect a consistent clarity in sound and an appealing visual display, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize both performance and looks.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being softer than polycarbonate, allow it to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. As a consequence, the performance of the switches during typing reflects the different qualities of the bottom housing. With nylon in the bottom housing, users can anticipate a satisfying thud when bottoming out keys, augmenting the tactile feedback and overall experience when interacting with the keyboard. This combination of materials showcases how each housing contributes distinctly to the complete sound profile of the switch: the nylon bottom housing enhances the low-end sound, while the polycarbonate top brings clarity to the higher frequencies.

Ultimately, while the top housing of both the Dareu Firefly and Bsun Taichi evokes a similar sharpness in sound due to the use of polycarbonate, it is the nylon bottom housing that sets a distinct tonal foundation for each switch's auditory output. Users can expect comparable results in the higher frequencies associated with key release, thanks to the polycarbonate's properties, while enjoying a fuller typing experience derived from nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This synergy between the two materials across both switch models creates a balanced and multifaceted sound experience, combining brightness with depth, allowing users to appreciate the nuances of each keystroke.

Weight

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both share an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, which means we can't compare their feel when fully pressed down. Since their actuation forces are equal, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of keystroke initiation. As for weight preferences, since both switches have the same actuation force, they can be considered equally lightweight, making them suitable for longer typing sessions often enjoyed by users who favor lighter switches. If either switch has a heavier bottom out force, it could lead to a different tactile experience; without specific values, though, we cannot conclude which switch would be preferred by those seeking a firmer feedback. Overall, for users valuing a lighter typing experience, both switches would be suitable options.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Firefly boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Firefly the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that some users may appreciate for its depth. In contrast, the Taichi, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize quicker response times, like gamers who benefit from a more immediate actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a more substantial keypress, the Firefly is the way to go, whereas the Taichi will deliver a snappier experience.

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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.

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 stands out with its unique chirpy acoustic signature. This subtle squeak during typing sets it apart from classic clicky switches, offering a softer auditory experience that can be appealing to those who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for a high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can add a satisfying auditory feedback when keys are fully pressed down. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Firefly operates with a subtler charm, while the Taichi provides a more pronounced sound upon actuation.

Regarding feel, the Firefly excels with its easy-to-press design, characterized by a light actuation force that promotes effortless typing. This switch minimizes resistance, making it comfortable to use even during lengthy typing sessions, thus reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Taichi switch, while lacking specific descriptors for its tactile feel, benefits from its long-pole stem and extended springs that typically enhance smoothness and stability. This suggests that the Taichi may provide a different tactile experience, likely leaning towards a fluid and consistent actuation without the additional texture found in tactile counterparts.

In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and Bsun Taichi switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly's chirpy sound and easy-to-press action promote a quieter and user-friendly experience, while the Taichi offers a pronounced bottom-out sound with enhanced smoothness, which could appeal to users seeking a more traditional linear feel. Ultimately, while they serve different audiences, both can deliver satisfying typing experiences based on their distinct qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are seeking. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience that still offers a slight tactile feedback without the traditional clicky sound, the Firefly might be the ideal choice for you. Its easy-to-press design minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more stable feel with a satisfying sound that enhances your typing experience, the Taichi is likely more suited to your style. Its longer pole design and extended springs create a unique acoustic signature that provides a delightful bottom-out sound, making each keystroke more engaging. Overall, your decision should hinge on whether you value a tactically light and quiet experience or a smooth and acoustically pleasing one.

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