Dareu Firefly vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Yunhai represent two distinct options tailored to different user preferences. The Firefly, a tactile switch, delivers an easy-to-press experience with a gentle hint of clickiness, providing a satisfying feedback without the loud, resonant sounds often associated with traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai, a linear switch, sets itself apart with a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, offering typists a smooth, effortless feel ideal for those who seek a quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to unique needs: the Firefly appeals to users who appreciate tactile feedback without the noise, while the Yunhai is perfect for those who value a whisper-quiet performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Yunhai, an evident contrast lies in the choice of material for the top housing. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and light transmission, resulting in a brighter and sharper sound profile during typing. This material's stiffness makes it conducive for creating more resonant sound characteristics, especially when paired with RGB lighting, where its translucency allows for appealing visual effects. Conversely, the Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the world of mechanical switches. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer and more absorbent, which gives it a deeper, duller sound profile. Consequently, the overall typing experience on the Yunhai will feel rounder and less piercing compared to the Firefly, highlighting the importance of material selection in auditory feedback.
In contrast, both the Dareu Firefly and the TTC Yunhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating an interesting synergy in their construction. Both switches, owing to their nylon bottom housing, will deliver a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties will dampen the impact noise, making the experience less harsh on the ears compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. As such, while the top housing of each switch diverges greatly—one being bright and clear while the other is muted and smooth—they are united in their approach at the base, ensuring a blend of sound characteristics that soften and enrich the overall actuation experience.
The culmination of these differing top materials with the shared nylon bottom housing ultimately creates unique sound signatures and tactile experiences between the two switches. The Firefly, with its polycarbonate top, is likely to feel vibrant and lively upon release, providing a bright snap, while the Yunhai’s nylon top will deliver a muted and velvety finish to its keystrokes. This division of contributions means that while both switches offer a certain level of familiarity due to their shared nylon bottom housing, their top housings dictate differing aspects of the user experience. Thus, the final outcome regarding sound and feel will be a direct result of how these two materials interact, leading to a nuanced but distinct performance characteristic for each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly features an actuation force of 40 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Yunhai's actuation force of 42 grams, which might appeal to users who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Firefly does not have a specified bottom out force, making a direct comparison in this regard impossible. In contrast, the Yunhai boasts a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier feel when fully pressed down, which could satisfy those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Firefly is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the Yunhai provides a more defined feedback at bottom out, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it is clear that the Firefly features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem subtle, but it can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Users who appreciate a more substantial depth and tactile feedback may prefer the Firefly, as its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced keypress. Conversely, those who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feel might gravitate towards the Yunhai, given its shorter travel distance. Overall, the Firefly is the longer option, while the Yunhai is shorter, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 profiles of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's clear that the Firefly provides a distinctive auditory experience. The Firefly is characterized by a chirpy sound that adds a unique quality to its actuation, although it is notably quieter than traditional clicky switches due to its lack of a pronounced clicky sound signature. In contrast, the Yunhai switch does not have a specific sound profile provided, but it is generally associated with a deeper and rounded sound that tends to create a more muted and smooth auditory experience. Overall, the Firefly’s chirpy quality could offer a more engaging typing sound, while the Yunhai may appeal to those seeking a softer, less pronounced sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, both switches excel in providing a user-friendly typing experience. The Firefly switch features an easy-to-press mechanism, allowing for gentle resistance during key presses, which leads to effortless activation. This characteristic makes it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions, significantly reducing finger fatigue. The Yunhai switch shares this sentiment with its incredibly light actuation force, specifically designed for typists who prefer a smooth and effortless touch. With both switches opting for lighter activation forces, users can expect a comfortable and responsive typing feel, reducing strain during long hours of use.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly and TTC Yunhai switches cater to those who prioritize a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, albeit through slightly different auditory and tactile pathways. The Firefly offers a chirpy sound that provides a unique acoustic layer to typing, while the Yunhai appears to focus more on a muted, gentle experience without specific descriptors for sound. However, both switches feature light actuation forces that minimize effort during typing, which can result in similar feelings of comfort and ease in usage. Ultimately, your choice may come down to preference in sound and the essence of the tactile experience you're looking for.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a quiet typing experience with a slight tactile feedback, the Firefly is an appealing option for you. Its chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness provides a unique acoustic signature without the more pronounced noise typical of clicky switches, making it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. The easy-to-press feel minimizes finger fatigue, which is particularly beneficial if you engage in long typing marathons or want a switch that lightly prompts you without a harsh response.
On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth key presses and a very light actuation force, the TTC Yunhai switch should be your go-to. Its deep, rounded sound profile complements the light actuation, allowing for a gentle and effortless typing experience. This makes it ideal for those who favor linear switches for gaming or fast-paced typing where speed is crucial, and where you want to avoid any tactile resistance that could slow you down. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the Firefly for its subtle feedback in quieter environments and the Yunhai for a plush, uninterrupted flow suitable for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value tactility or smooth linearity, considering how each will fit into your specific typing needs and environment.
Mentioned in this article
