Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options in this realm are the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Firefly, as a tactile switch, offers a unique experience characterized by its quiet operation and a gentle sense of clickiness, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, known for its smooth linear action, captivates typists with a buttery and creamy feel, along with a high-pitched sound signature that sets it apart. While the Firefly may appeal to users looking for a more discreet yet responsive typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes and a vibrant auditory profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that they both utilize different choices for their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Firefly employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is mainly due to its stiffness, which enhances resonance, creating a bright auditory experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend, described as "special mixed materials." Despite their differences, both materials contribute to high-pitched sounds, though the Firefly’s polycarbonate may provide a more distinct clarity, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the KTT blend leans into a more clacky tone.
Turning to their bottom housings, the Dareu Firefly opts for nylon, a traditional choice known for its deeper, fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature. This material absorbs sound effectively, leading to a more muted and round sound profile. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, conversely, incorporates POK, or polyketone, for its bottom housing. The properties of POK give it considerable smoothness and durability, contributing to an overall clackier and more robust sound signature. Here, the housing materials diverge; while nylon provides warmth and depth, POK emphasizes durability and a smoother typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in different configurations generates unique sound characteristics for each switch. The softer nylon and harder polycarbonate of the Firefly produce a distinct auditory experience characterized by depth and clarity, while the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a balance of smoothness and strength alongside a clackier sound. If one were to use similar configurations in both setups, they might achieve comparable results in terms of sound signatures; however, their distinct materials inherently lead to varied auditory qualities. The bottom housing plays a more substantial role in the overall sound and feel during operation, showcasing how the interplay between these materials influences the final output of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the actuation forces reveal some interesting distinctions. The Firefly features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that those who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions might prefer the Firefly, as it would generally cause less fatigue over time. However, with the Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom-out force at 48 grams, it provides a more robust feeling as it requires more pressure to press down completely. The bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, making a direct comparison difficult. Overall, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, the Firefly would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer feedback might lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Firefly switch travels further, offering a greater depth that some users may find more satisfying and sturdy. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch can cater to those who prefer quicker response times, which is especially beneficial for gaming. This makes the Firefly the longer option, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is better suited for users who prioritize speed and a snappier feel in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences regarding travel distance and the desired experience while typing or gaming.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 switch produces a distinctly chirpy tone, known for its light and almost squeaky characteristic. This acoustic quality enriches the typing experience while maintaining a reduced sound profile that lacks the traditional resonance often associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience, with a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that provides an engaging and crisp response to each keystroke. Additionally, its marbly and resonant attributes add layers of clarity and vibrancy to the sound, akin to the high-pitched collision of billiard balls, making for a stark contrast to the more subtle chirp of the Firefly.
When evaluating the feel, the Firefly switch shines with its easy-to-press design, which requires minimal force for actuation, offering a light and fatigue-free typing experience. This gentle resistance contributes to a comfortable interface that is particularly accommodating during longer typing sessions. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy sensation, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience. The well-crafted design enables users to glide over the keys, likening it to a silky interaction that feels luxurious and seamless. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, they cater to different preferences: the Firefly leans towards minimal effort, while the Vanilla Ice Cream indulges in smooth fluidity.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Firefly offers a quiet, chirpy sound along with an easy-to-press feel, perfect for users seeking a subtle yet responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched resonance and creamy smoothness, appealing to typists who appreciate richer auditory feedback and a luxurious keystroke. Depending on individual preferences, each switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with users likely gravitating toward the one that aligns best with their auditory and tactile needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a unique, quiet tactile experience with a lighter actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Firefly is the ideal choice for you. Its chirpy sound profile adds a distinctive touch to your typing without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for both office environments and shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, buttery typing experience with a more pronounced sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch will likely suit you better. Its clacky, high-pitched tones provide an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your typing pleasure, particularly if you're into gaming or enjoy the feeling of tactile engagement with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing rhythm, sound preferences, and overall user experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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