Dareu Firefly vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Kiki Red are two highly regarded mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Firefly, a tactile switch, is known for its quiet and light actuation, with just a hint of clickiness, making it easy-to-press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Kiki Red, a linear switch, boasts a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that's not overly loud. With POM housings and Ly stems contributing to a smooth actuation and unique sound signature, these switches are categorized as clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. While both switches have their own set of advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, but the difference in sound profile between the two can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its absorbent nature, while the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also creates a deeper and more muted sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a similar sound experience in terms of the bottom housing. The choice between nylon and POM comes down to personal preference and the type of sound profile that the user prefers when typing on the keyboard.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the Dareu Firefly and the Bsun Kiki Red contributes to a unique typing experience for users. While the Firefly offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Kiki Red delivers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials of each switch result in varying sound profiles, giving users the opportunity to choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams. However, the Kiki Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown. This means that for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Firefly may be more suitable, while the Kiki Red offers a slightly heavier push feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Firefly may be the preferred choice, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Kiki Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, while the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower and may appeal to those looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distances, with the Firefly providing a bit more depth and the Kiki Red being slightly quicker to actuate. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 Dareu Firefly switch is known for its chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, providing a different auditory feedback. Both switches will result in satisfying sound profiles, depending on other factors like your keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Firefly switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance and light actuation force for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys. The switch's polished, silky, and snappy characteristics enhance the overall smoothness, responsiveness, and comfort during typing sessions. Both switches prioritize tactile feedback and performance, catering to enthusiasts who value subtlety and finesse in their typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Firefly switch provides a quieter and light tactile experience with a hint of clickiness, the Kiki Red switch delivers a nuanced sound profile and smooth, creamy typing feel. Both switches are tailored to meet the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts seeking premium performance and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light actuation force and a subtle clickiness, the Firefly switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly louder, crisp, and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy feel during typing, the Kiki Red switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific tactile and auditory feedback you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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