Dareu Firefly vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Today, we will be comparing the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, also a tactile switch. The Firefly switch stands out for its quiet operation and light actuation, making it easy-to-press and slightly clicky. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch is praised for its smoothness, noticeable tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, providing a stepped and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages depending on personal preferences; 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
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, as its translucency allows for light to shine through easily. In contrast, the Firefly and WS Light Tactile differ in their bottom housings - the Firefly's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The WS Light Tactile uses nylon for its bottom housing as well, offering a similar experience in terms of sound profile to the Firefly.
While the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. This split in housing materials means that each switch will offer a blend of qualities from both materials - the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile that is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a more defined typing experience. The differences in bottom housing material between the Firefly and WS Light Tactile provide users with options to choose the type of sound profile that suits their preferences.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer a mix of similar and different housing materials that impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a distinct sound experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. However, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing. Ultimately, choices between the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 45 grams. However, the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown, while the WS Light Tactile requires a lighter 50 grams of force to bottom out. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch is overall lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Firefly's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of the typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly and the WS Light Tactile switches offer a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally suitable options for those who prioritize key travel distance in their switch selection.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 offers a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. This gives it a distinct acoustic signature that some users may find appealing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you are looking for in your keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and allowing for a comfortable typing experience. This can be beneficial for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions and providing a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle bump during key presses compared to other tactile switches. Both switches offer easy activation with minimal force required, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Firefly switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, testing out both switches on your own keyboard setup will provide the most accurate idea of which one aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and light tactile switch with a gentle actuation and minimal force, the Dareu Firefly switch would be a great choice. It offers a unique light clickiness and is easy to press, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a neutral sound signature, moderate actuation force, and a stepped feel that differentiates pre-travel and post-travel, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, actuation force, and typing feel to find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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