Dareu Firefly vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two popular options stand out: the Dareu Firefly and the PH Studio Yoel. The Firefly, a tactile switch, offers a unique experience with its quiet actuation and light clickiness, perfect for those seeking an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel, a linear switch, provides a chewy and clacky feel with a bright and resonant sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Firefly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Yoel opts for a POM bottom housing, resulting in a unique and more muted sound.
In terms of sound, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This is in contrast to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the top housings of both switches contribute to the overall sound profile when a key is released, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Firefly and Yoel offer distinct sound profiles due to their choice of materials.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and PH Studio Yoel showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, their choice of bottom housing materials - nylon for the Firefly and POM for the Yoel - results in different sound characteristics. Whether typing on a switch with a nylon or POM bottom housing, the tactile experience and sound produced will vary, emphasizing the impact housing materials have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the actuation force of the Firefly is 40 grams, while the Yoel requires 53 grams to actuate a keystroke. This means that the Firefly is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Yoel. However, the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown, while the Yoel has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Yoel switch is heavier to press all the way down compared to the Firefly. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Firefly may be the better option for longer typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Yoel switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with choices depending on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a slight difference in the amount of travel each switch offers. The Firefly has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being on the longer side and the Yoel on the shorter side, the variation in distance may impact the typing or gaming experience for users. Those looking for a more responsive feel may prefer the shorter 3.2 mm travel distance of the Yoel, while individuals who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the 4 mm travel distance provided by the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 Firefly switch from Dareu offers a chirpy sound profile, characterized by a light and unique squeak that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch by PH Studio provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound experience that is sharp, bright, and satisfying to the ears. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a quieter and more distinct sound like the Firefly, or a louder and more prominent sound like the Yoel.
When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and minimal force required for key activation. This light actuation force provides a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Yoel linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Deciding between the two will depend on whether you prefer a light and responsive feel like the Firefly, or a smooth and refined typing experience like the Yoel.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you enjoy a quieter and unique chirpy sound with easy-to-press feel, the Firefly may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a louder and more satisfying clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Yoel linear switch might be the better option. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll get a satisfactory typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you are looking for a quiet and easy-to-press switch with a light actuation force, the Firefly may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly louder and more pronounced typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Yoel linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound and feel profiles, so it comes down to personal preference and typing style when making your decision.
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