Dareu Firefly vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch. The Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique take on clicky switches, providing a very light actuation with just a hint of clickiness while remaining remarkably quiet. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile that many find satisfying. While the Firefly switch is characterized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the Wine Red switch is categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own distinct features and appeal to different types of users. 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
44g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard. However, the Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the theme of a sharper sound quality similar to its top housing material.
One key difference between the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Wine Red lies in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Firefly utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Wine Red maintains a consistent polycarbonate material for both top and bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound across the board. This variation in housing materials highlights how each keyboard will produce slightly different sound profiles, catered to individual preferences and typing experiences. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in both keyboards allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, pleasing users who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the KTT Wine Red play a fundamental role in shaping the sound profiles of these keyboards. The stiffer polycarbonate material used in both top housings creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality, while their differences in bottom housing materials offer varying levels of depth and resonance. Users can expect a different typing experience with each keyboard due to these differences, with the Firefly providing a deeper sound profile with nylon bottom housing and the Wine Red maintaining consistency with polycarbonate throughout. Nonetheless, both keyboards showcase the benefits of utilizing polycarbonate for top housings in terms of sound clarity and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. The bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Firefly. Those who prefer a light and easy typing experience may lean towards the Firefly, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the Wine Red may be the better option. Both switches offer their unique benefits, with the Firefly catering to those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Wine Red provides a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and actuation feeling, resulting in a consistent typing experience for users. The identical travel distances ensure that the keystrokes on both switches feel smooth and consistent, making them suitable options for individuals who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience due to their similar travel distances, allowing users to choose between tactile and linear switches based on their preferred typing 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 switch can be characterized as having a chirpy and unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound profile with bassy undertones and a low-pitched tone reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches provide distinct sound experiences that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not available for comparison. However, based on the description of a pillowy light type feel, it may offer a similar comfortable typing experience with a different tactile feedback compared to the Firefly.
Overall, while the Dareu Firefly and KTT Wine Red switches offer different sound and potentially feel experiences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can cater to different typing styles and preferences. It is recommended to try out both switches or seek out more detailed reviews to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the characteristics of each to match your preferences. If you prefer a very light actuation with a hint of clickiness and a quiet typing experience, the Firefly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pillowy light feel with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a unique typing experience with gentle resistance or a more traditional feel with a deeper sound. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style the best.
Mentioned in this article
