Dareu Firefly vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Red offer unique typing experiences to suit different preferences. The Firefly switch from Dareu is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with a hint of clickiness, perfect for those looking for an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red from Wuque Studio is a linear switch featuring a 22mm double-stage spring for a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a satisfying and substantial 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Red both use polycarbonate in their top housing, but differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the WS Red's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound profile. However, the Firefly's use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound compared to the WS Red's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the Firefly's combination of polycarbonate and nylon in its housing materials provides a unique sound profile that balances clarity and depth.
In terms of material composition, the Firefly and WS Red both feature nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile. The difference lies in the top housing material, with the Firefly using polycarbonate for a sharper sound while the WS Red sticks to nylon for a rounder sound. This variation in housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the Firefly offering a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the WS Red's duller sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
When it comes to typing on the Firefly and WS Red switches, the qualities of the housing materials play a significant role in the sound profile. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate in the Firefly or nylon in the WS Red, impacts the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, with the Firefly offering a sharper and crisper sound while the WS Red provides a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound quality of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the WS Red's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Firefly's bottom out force is unavailable. The Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. In contrast, the WS Red offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the two switches, individuals can choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Firefly being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the WS Red switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Firefly with its longer travel distance. 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 Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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
The Firefly switch by Dareu is known for its quiet and light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness without the classic loud sound usually associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the WS Red switch by Wuque Studio offers a more traditional sound signature with a heavier actuation force due to its 22mm double-stage spring. The WS Red switch delivers a satisfyingly weighty typing experience while maintaining a familiar sound profile. When it comes to sound, the Firefly switch has a chirpy quality to it, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the WS Red switch is not provided. Overall, if you prefer a quieter and lighter actuation with a touch of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience, the WS Red switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a quiet and light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a more substantial feel, the WS Red switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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