Dareu Firefly vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer distinctive characteristics for different preferences. The Firefly, a tactile switch, stands out for its quiet operation and light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness, making it ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, a linear switch, is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, appealing to gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiff plastic composition. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for light to shine through. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the clear housing, which is a common indicator of polycarbonate material.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver also uses a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar sound profile as the Firefly. Therefore, while the top housings offer similar characteristics in both switches, it is the bottom housing that provides a distinct typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Dareu Firefly and the Outemu Yellow Silver showcases a deliberate choice in material selection to achieve specific sound profiles. The stiffness of polycarbonate adds clarity and resonance to the typing experience, while the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. By understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch, users can choose the one that best suits their preferences for typing.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch is lighter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch when it comes to actuation force, with the Firefly requiring 40 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Yellow Silver switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Firefly for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Yellow Silver. Despite the differences in force between the two switches, those looking for similar results can still achieve a similar typing experience by selecting the switch that aligns best with their preferred actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, allowing for a familiar and comfortable typing experience. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they provide different typing sensations due to their unique tactile and linear characteristics. Overall, the travel distance of both switches plays a significant role in determining the typing feel and responsiveness of a keyboard, making them important factors to consider when choosing between the two switches.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 tactile switch has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, providing a subtle clickiness without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing and gaming environments. Both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Firefly offering a more distinct auditory feedback compared to the Yellow Silver's more subtle sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch. However, given its light actuation force, it can be inferred that the Yellow Silver switch also offers a smooth and swift typing experience favored by gamers and typists looking for speed and responsiveness.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out for its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a great option for those looking for a quieter yet tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and light actuation force, catering to those seeking a fast and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing needs, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Firefly leaning towards a more tactile and audible feedback while the Yellow Silver focusing on speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
Therefore, when selecting between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that offers speediness and responsiveness, the Yellow Silver switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and whether you prioritize sound or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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