Dareu Firefly vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Firefly switch stands out for its quiet yet light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness without the classic loud sound often associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch from Wuque Studio excels in noise reduction and tactile feedback, making it a great choice for office environments where quiet operation is essential. While the Firefly switch is easy to press and chirpy, the WS Silent Tactile switch is accented, invigorating, neutral, mild, and muted in its 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
63.5g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly has a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in housing materials results in a difference in sound characteristics between the two switches, with the Firefly offering a more clear and resonant sound compared to the WS Silent Tactile's duller and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Dareu Firefly and the WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be comparable. However, the differences in top housing material between the two switches will result in variations in sound when pressing down on a key versus letting go of it. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper sound upon release, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing contributes to a more muffled sound effect.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Dareu Firefly results in a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Firefly and the WS Silent Tactile influence the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Firefly is not provided. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the WS Silent Tactile with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their different force requirements, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Silent Tactile. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the WS Silent Tactile with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Firefly with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. This slight squeak adds a distinctive element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with muted qualities, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments like offices. While the Firefly switch leans towards a more characteristic sound, the WS Silent Tactile switch focuses on reducing noise to a minimum level without compromising on tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses for effortless typing. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides an accented tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. With an invigorating feel and a mild overall characteristic, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience without being too harsh or too subtle.
Taking all the available information into account, the Dareu Firefly switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly switch provides a chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the WS Silent Tactile switch delivers a neutral sound profile with muted characteristics and an accented tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different needs. Ultimately, whether you choose the Firefly or WS Silent Tactile switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Firefly if you prefer a very light actuation with a subtle clickiness and a quiet typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a unique and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the WS Silent Tactile if you need a medium tactility with superior noise reduction, making it perfect for office environments. This switch offers a balanced actuation force and a silent yet crisp typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound, so choose wisely based on your specific needs and preferences.
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