Dareu Firefly vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience, and two outstanding options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Firefly is celebrated for its unique approach to tactile switches, providing a light actuation with a subtle chirp that differs from the traditional clicky sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more pronounced tactile feel, paired with a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience while maintaining a subtlety that appeals to many typists. Ultimately, while the Firefly’s easy-to-press nature and gentle feedback cater to those prioritizing quietness, the Gateron Weightlessness serves well for users who seek tactile sensation without overwhelming noise. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Weightlessness, we find distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile of each switch. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This quality allows for a crisper auditory experience, ideal for users seeking a pronounced feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Weightlessness uses nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that caters to those who prefer a more muted sound.
Both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, creating a cohesive similarity between the two products despite their differing top materials. This shared nylon composition leads to a deep and rich sound that is characteristic of soft plastics, effectively dampening sound and reducing resonance. In this case, the bottom-out feel—the sensation experienced during key presses—will be significantly influenced by the softness of the nylon in both switches. Therefore, both switches benefit from the sound absorption properties of nylon, ensuring that users will experience a consistent depth of sound when typing.
While the Dareu Firefly and the Gateron Weightlessness feature different top housing materials, their nylon bottom housings create a synergy that blends their unique tonal properties. The Firefly's polycarbonate top ensures a bright sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom softens the impact during key presses, balancing out the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Weightlessness's all-nylon design results in a consistently deep sound signature throughout, appealing to users seeking a more uniform auditory feedback. In essence, users seeking a brighter sound profile will gravitate towards the Firefly for its polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a more rounded sound will find the Weightlessness to their liking, making both options suitable depending on personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Firefly features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long periods of use in work or gaming settings. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel that provides feedback with each keystroke. Both switches lack specified bottom-out forces; however, this does not diminish their usability characteristics. Since the Firefly is lighter, it will likely create a different feel compared to the heavier Weightlessness, influencing the user's typing comfort and overall experience. Those who enjoy a lighter touch should gravitate towards the Firefly, while users who prefer a stronger push should opt for the Weightlessness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Firefly offers a longer travel distance, providing a more traditional tactile feel that may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Weightlessness is geared toward those who favor quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers who seek faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Weightlessness may be preferable, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their typing experience would likely favor the Firefly.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 stands out with its unique chirpy quality, infusing a faint squeak into each keystroke that distinguishes it from traditional clicky switches. This acoustic signature lends a distinct character to the typing experience, making it enjoyable without being overly loud or disruptive. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound profile, but it lacks a detailed description, leaving its exact acoustic characteristics somewhat ambiguous. This means that while Firefly provides a specific auditory cue that may enhance the typing experience for some, the Weightlessness might also offer an unobtrusive sound environment suitable for quieter settings, where distracting noises are minimized.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press design, which allows for gentle resistance and minimal force needed for actuation. This creates a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience, particularly valuable during long typing sessions, as it facilitates a responsive and pleasant feel. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch also provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, but it lacks further elaboration on its specific tactile characteristics and how they might compare to the Firefly. Therefore, while both switches aim to enhance user comfort, the distinctively light actuation of the Firefly may give it an edge for those who prioritize effortless typing.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique auditory experience combined with an exceptionally easy-to-press feel, making it particularly appealing for users seeking a refined and comfortable typing sensation. The Gateron Weightlessness switch, while offering a more balanced sound and moderate tactile feedback, leaves some unanswered questions about its exact qualities. Ultimately, users drawn to a more vibrant sound profile may prefer the Firefly, whereas those seeking a quieter option with moderate tactile feedback might find satisfaction in the Weightlessness, creating an overall spectrum of choice between these two tactile options.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and typing feel. If you’re seeking a quieter switch that features a light actuation and a bit of clickiness without the typical loud click sound, the Firefly is an excellent choice. Its chirpy acoustic signature combined with an easy-to-press feel makes it ideal for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile response without any emphasis on sound, the Weightlessness switch may suit you better. With its balanced sound profile and subtle to moderate tactile feedback, it can enhance your typing experience by keeping it smooth and understated. Ultimately, if you want a lively yet quiet option, go for the Firefly, while those who appreciate a more conventional and subtle tactile feeling may find the Weightlessness to be the perfect fit.
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