Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Type A. The Firefly switch is a tactile option known for its quiet and light actuation, providing a hint of clickiness without the classic loud sound. On the other hand, the Type A switch is a linear switch that offers a deeper sound profile and is praised for its medium-weight feel. If you prefer an easy-to-press and chirpy switch, the Firefly may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more neutral and subdued typing experience, the Type A switch could be the better option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Type A both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Firefly featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Type A incorporates nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Type A produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller sound. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight variations in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Firefly and the Type A use nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a rounder sound and a smoother typing experience. While the bottom housing may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Type A's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance between impact and sound variation when typing. Ultimately, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, with slight nuances in sound and feel based on their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring only 40 grams compared to the Type A's 50 grams. The bottom out force for the Firefly is unavailable, while the Type A has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Firefly would be the better option, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Type A switch would provide a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, users can expect a consistent key press experience in terms of travel distance. This means that whether you are using the Firefly or Type A switch, you will get similar results in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance of 4 mm, providing a familiar tactile feel for users.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. It provides a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, creating a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch has a more neutral sound profile with a subdued undertone. This makes it suitable for various uses, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and offers a quieter typing experience overall.
Moving on to feel, the Firefly tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use and offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Type A linear switch is not available for comparison.
In conclusion, the Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Type A has a more neutral sound profile with a subdued sound and an unknown feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and reliable performance. Ultimately, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Firefly if you prefer a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, making it ideal for a noise-sensitive environment. On the other hand, opt for the Type A if you seek a medium-weight switch with a deeper sound profile, suitable for various typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, understanding your personal preferences for sound and feel will guide you towards selecting the switch that best suits your typing needs.
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