Dareu Firefly vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Firefly stands out for its quiet yet tactile nature, providing an easy-to-press experience with a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, along with a neutral sound signature. If you prefer a light and subtle clickiness, the Firefly may be the ideal choice for you, while the Thunder Shadow appeals to those seeking a more tactile and balanced 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Thunder Shadow make use of polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a distinctive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Firefly and the Thunder Shadow utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a more muted typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing complements the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing, providing a well-rounded sound profile for both switches.
Although both switches have similar housing materials for their respective top and bottom components, the impact of each material on the overall sound and feel of the switch differs. The qualities brought by polycarbonate and nylon are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of materials allows for a balanced typing experience that combines the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more solid typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, the Firefly would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Thunder Shadow would be more suitable. Overall, the Firefly offers a lighter actuation force, while the Thunder Shadow provides a heavier bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being slightly longer than the Thunder Shadow. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 offers a unique and chirpy sound profile that sets it apart from other clicky switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides a more neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on your personal preference and setup, you can expect a distinct auditory experience from both switches.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and a light actuation force for effortless typing. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing experience that can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the contrary, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation that immerses the user in their typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch each have their own distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prefer a chirpy sound with easy-to-press keys or a neutral sound with an invigorating typing feel, both switches offer quality performance in their own right. Depending on your personal typing style and preferences, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as they both offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light actuation force with a quiet and gentle typing experience, the Firefly switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow switch would be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to your individual preferences and typing requirements.
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