Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Firefly, recognized for its tactile nature, offers a unique take on clicky switches with a quiet operation that strays from the traditional loud, resonant click—boasting a light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness. This makes it an appealing choice for those who seek tactile feedback without the noise, perfect for office environments or quiet settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its linear switch design featuring Ly stems, provides an incredibly smooth typing experience intensified by a resonant sound profile. This type of switch is favored by gamers and typists who appreciate uninterrupted keystrokes and swift key presses for a seamless experience. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you prefer subtle tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Firefly Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a notable similarity in their choice of top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This material offers a range of acoustical benefits, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, ensuring a more defined audio experience. Both switches also feature translucency, making them well-suited for illuminated setups with RGB lighting, which not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures that the lighting effects are more visually striking. Since they share the same top housing material, users can expect similar results in sound characteristics, particularly during the key release phase, making both models appealing for those seeking a clear auditory feedback.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Firefly and Tomcat (Heavy) both feature nylon, a classic choice that significantly impacts the sound profile and feel of the switches. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which serves to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This material's unique properties help create a damping effect that mellows the acoustic sharpness produced by the polycarbonate top. While the top housing contributes to the sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing is more influential during the actuation and bottoming out, resulting in a rounder and more subdued sound. Thus, although both switches use the same material for their top housings, their bottom housings provide a contrasting sonic quality.

Ultimately, the combined effect of the materials used in the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) creates a balanced typing experience. With both utilizing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, users can expect a clear, resonant sound during release paired with a deep, full auditory response while typing. The similarity in top housing materials ensures a consistent sound profile, while the nylon-based bottom housings introduce a nuanced depth to the overall acoustic experience. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a versatile sound landscape, suitable for a variety of typing preferences while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance with RGB compatibility.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Firefly, with an actuation force of 40 grams, is significantly lighter than the Tomcat (Heavy), which requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue, making it suitable for long gaming sessions or work environments. In contrast, the Tomcat offers a heavier actuation that some users may find provides a more substantial and satisfying typing feel. Regarding bottom out forces, while the Tomcat features a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, the Dareu Firefly lacks this information, making a direct comparison impossible. Therefore, for those who favor a lighter switch, the Firefly is the clear choice, whereas users seeking a more robust feel might lean towards the Tomcat.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Firefly the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a hearty feel during key presses. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking more responsiveness, a characteristic often favored by gamers for quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile depth and response time, with the Firefly offering a deeper experience and the Tomcat (Heavy) providing a more rapid feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Dareu Firefly tactile switch presents a unique sound profile that sets it apart from many traditional switches. Its quiet operation features a chirpy quality, which offers a subtle squeak during use. While it lacks the distinct, resonant click found in typical clicky switches, the Firefly's soft acoustic signature is a notable feature that allows for discreet typing without sacrificing character. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides a resonant sound profile, which typically brings a satisfying auditory feedback conducive to a more engaging typing experience. However, without more specific auditory descriptors for the Tomcat, the exact nuances of its sound remain unspecified.

Feel-wise, the Firefly offers an effortless typing experience characterized by its easy-to-press action. Its gentle resistance during key presses allows for minimal force activation, making it comfortable for long typing sessions and significantly reducing finger fatigue. This light actuation enhances responsiveness and creates an enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch focuses on delivering a super smooth typing experience through its Ly stems; details on the exact resistance or tactile feedback are lacking, but typically linear switches provide a consistent press without the additional tactile bump.

In conclusion, when considering both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, users may find distinct experiences in both sound and feel. The Firefly offers a chirpy sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a resonant auditory response with a smooth action. For those seeking a more nuanced typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that whether you favor a tactile chirp or resonance, there is an option that can satisfy your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a gentle actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, then the Firefly will likely be your go-to option. Its unique chirpy sound signature offers a subtle auditory character without the stark clickiness associated with traditional tactile switches, making it well-suited for quiet environments or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a heavier actuation that provides a solid feel while typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) will serve you well. The medium-heavy bottom-out force, combined with its resonant sound profile, makes it ideal for users looking for a more assertive key press and a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, choose the Firefly for softer, quieter typing and the Tomcat (Heavy) for a more dynamic and tactile feel during your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Firefly Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more