Dareu Firefly vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two options that stand out are the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The Firefly, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a unique approach with its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a gently responsive feel without the usual loud clickiness associated with traditional tactile switches. Its subtle chirp-like quality makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a softer touch while still enjoying a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS POM+, a linear switch, brings a delightfully smooth and deep "thock" sound profile to the table, making each keystroke feel satisfying and effortless, perfect for gamers and typists looking for a more fluid typing experience. While the Firefly caters to users seeking a tactile feel without excessive noise, the WS POM+ appeals to those who prefer a seamless keypress with a rich auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, one of the most pronounced differences lies in the top housing. The Firefly utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality allows for enhanced clarity and resonance, making it especially effective in settings where RGB lighting is used, as the translucency of polycarbonate emphasizes the illumination beneath it. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) as its top housing material. POM offers a different auditory experience, producing a deeper sound that is more muted compared to polycarbonate’s vibrant resonance. Thus, while the Firefly’s polycarbonate housing excels in brightness and clarity, the WS POM+ provides a more subdued and unique sound.
Looking at the bottom housing reveals another interesting parallel. The Dareu Firefly features a nylon bottom housing, which has long been recognized for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a rounder, muted auditory experience upon bottoming out. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a muted and deeper sound profile. The shared characteristics of both switches’ bottom housings suggest that despite material differences, both designs aim for a rich auditory output, focusing on a lower and fuller sound when pressed.
In essence, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ differ in their compositions, they offer complementary audio characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly introduces brightness and clarity, enhancing the switch's release sound, while the softer nylon base enhances the bottoming out experience. Conversely, the WS POM+ centralizes both top and bottom sound profiles around a more muted, deep resonance. Regardless of the material differences, both switches can yield pleasing sound experiences reflecting their distinct design philosophies, leading to varied yet enjoyable keyboard interactions.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might find satisfying. The bottom out force of the Firefly is unspecified, while the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This significant difference suggests that the WS POM+ will deliver a more pronounced feeling when fully engaged, whereas the absence of data for the Firefly leaves its bottom out experience unknown. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Firefly is the lighter option and may be better suited for users prioritizing comfort and endurance, while the WS POM+ appeals to those seeking a firmer tactile engagement.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Firefly offers a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a tactile feel and a more pronounced actuation. On the other hand, the WS POM+ caters to those who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Consequently, if one prioritizes speed during gameplay, the WS POM+ could be the better choice, while the Firefly might be favored by users seeking a more traditional typing experience. Overall, the Firefly's 4 mm travel distance makes it the longer option, whereas the WS POM+ at 3.6 mm is the shorter option.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, they present distinct auditory experiences. The Firefly features a chirpy sound signature, which introduces a unique squeak that differentiates it from conventional clicky switches. This softer and more subdued sound profile allows for a quieter typing experience, steering clear of the classic resonant clicks often associated with tactile switches. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a deep and satisfying "thock" sound that resonates when a key is pressed down or released. This sound, richer and fuller, provides a more auditory feedback in comparison to the Firefly, catering to those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic response from their switches.
In terms of feel, the Firefly excels with its easy-to-press characteristic, delivering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing the strain on fingers during prolonged usage, which many typists value. On the other hand, the feel of the WS POM+ is not specified; however, its reputation as an all-POM switch hints at a potentially smooth keystroke that enthusiasts typically expect from high-quality materials. While the tactile nature of the Firefly may contribute to a certain level of feedback, the WS POM+ may provide a different kind of satisfaction through its linear action, known for its uninterrupted travel from top to bottom.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, making it a great choice for those wanting a subdued auditory feedback along with a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ linear switch delivers a deep thock sound characteristic and boasts a smooth travel, though its tactile sensations remain undefined. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a quieter, tactile experience or a more pronounced acoustic feedback with a smooth actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you favor a light, effortless typing experience with a unique acoustic signature—albeit a quieter one than traditional clicky switches—the Firefly is an excellent option. It provides a gentle actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced "thock" sound and a slightly firmer, more substantial keypress, the WS POM+ will likely suit you better. With its medium-light actuation and smooth keystrokes, it offers a satisfying sensation that enhances both typing and gaming performance. Ultimately, select the Firefly for a gentle, quiet experience, or the WS POM+ for a deeper sound and more tactile feedback—both will elevate your mechanical keyboard journey in their own distinct ways.
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