Dareu Firefly vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Windy Shadow offer unique experiences for users. The Firefly stands out as a tactile switch with a light actuation and subtle clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow is a linear switch that provides a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a low-pitched, mild, and neutral typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Aflion Windy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal choices for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of the lighting. In terms of aesthetics, both switches will likely have a clear housing if they feature polycarbonate in the top housing, providing a sleek and modern look.
In contrast, the Firefly and the Windy Shadow differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Firefly using nylon and the Windy Shadow also utilizing nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches highlights a focus on enhancing typing experience by providing a more satisfying sound and feel during key presses.
Overall, while both the Firefly and the Windy Shadow offer similar benefits in terms of their polycarbonate top housings contributing to a sharp and clear sound profile, they differentiate themselves through their choice of bottom housing material. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials highlight the attention to detail and customization options available in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch does not specify its actuation force. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Windy Shadow is noted to have a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Firefly would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Windy Shadow would be the ideal choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Firefly offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Windy Shadow, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times and is favored by gamers looking for quick key actuation. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly offering a bit more depth and the Windy Shadow providing a slightly quicker key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, setting it apart from traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and user preferences. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, but ultimately, the choice of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a broader range of users. While the Firefly switch may be more effortless to type on due to its low resistance, the Windy Shadow switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch excels in providing a chirpy sound and easy actuation, while the Windy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a comfortable typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing habits, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, trying out each switch personally will give the best insight into which one suits your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Dareu Firefly tactile switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a medium-light bottom-out force and a comfortable typing feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing needs and preferences in terms of sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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