Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Venus offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Firefly is praised for its quiet and light actuation, providing an easy-to-press feel with just a hint of clickiness, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its innovative internal design, offering a smooth and almost frictionless glide coupled with a distinctive "Q-texture" that gives a matte sensation with each keystroke. This switch promises rapid and effortless typing, wrapped in a muted sound signature for a more subdued auditory 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Venus, it is clear that they both prioritize sound quality but achieve it in different ways. The Firefly's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users who enjoy a quieter typing sound. While both materials excel in enhancing sound quality, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound, enhancing the overall resonance of the typing experience. Despite their differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with nylon providing a duller sound and polycarbonate creating a more resonant effect.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Venus will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Firefly's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a balance of sharpness and depth, while the Venus's POM and polycarbonate housings provide a unique blend of deep and resonant tones. Whether you prioritize a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted sound, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience in their own distinct ways.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch, which requires 45 grams to actuate. Both switches do not have a specified bottom out force, so it is unknown whether they have a similar bottom out force. However, based on the actuation force alone, the Firefly would provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Venus. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Firefly for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others might prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Venus for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both offer different travel distances for users to consider. The Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, slightly longer than the Venus linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Firefly offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Venus. Gamers looking for faster response times might prefer the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Venus, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the 4 mm travel distance of the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of depth 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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 offers a chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile that wraps each keystroke in a soft auditory embrace. These differences in sound make the Firefly more distinctive with a light chirpy feel, while the Venus offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone with a quieter overall sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is likened to a buttery experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with a frictionless glide and a matte texture reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi. These differences in feel make the Firefly more focused on ease of pressing, while the Venus offers a smooth and engaging typing experience with a unique tactile sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the Dareu Firefly and TTC Venus switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a light and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound with a buttery and frictionless feel, perfect for those seeking a smooth and engaging typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a very light actuation force and minimal clickiness, the Firefly would be a good choice. The Firefly is also known for its quiet operation and easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a unique "matte" sensation, the TTC Venus would be a suitable option. The Venus offers a smooth and engaging typing experience, with a muted sound signature that is bass-heavy and mellow. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel.
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