Dareu Firefly vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Firefly switch from Dareu provides a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, perfect for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed for the discerning typist seeking a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer the added benefit of removable light columns, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects to enhance the overall typing 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Durock White Lotus both feature polycarbonate in their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE blend in its top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel compared to the Firefly.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Firefly and the White Lotus utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption qualities. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the Firefly and the White Lotus share the same material for their bottom housings, the unique blend of materials used in the top housings still sets them apart in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Dareu Firefly and the Durock White Lotus feature similar nylon bottom housings, their top housings differ with the Firefly using polycarbonate and the White Lotus using a modified PC & UPE blend. These differences result in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing, catering to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound profile of polycarbonate or the unique premium feel of a modified PC & UPE blend, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. However, the Firefly does not have a specified bottom out force, while the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch and less strain during extended typing sessions, the Firefly may be the better option. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. This makes them both ideal choices for those who prefer a consistent feel and feedback when typing or gaming. Having a travel distance of 4 mm means that both switches offer a moderate amount of travel, providing a satisfying tactile feel without being too shallow or too deep. Overall, whether you choose the Firefly or White Lotus, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance, making them both solid options for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, giving it a distinct acoustic signature. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Firefly and the White Lotus offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch has a mild and subtle typing feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, both switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch and the Durock White Lotus switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly switch has a chirpy sound signature and an easy-to-press feel, the White Lotus switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. However, both switches excel in offering a comfortable typing experience with their light actuation force and gentle resistance, making them suitable for various typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and quiet tactile switch with a subtle clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility and the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a subtle clicky sound profile (Firefly) or a delicate tactile experience with customizable lighting effects (White Lotus). Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, so you can't go wrong with either choice based on your personal preferences.
Mentioned in this article
