Dareu Firefly vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Meteor Orange mechanical keyboard switches, we find two distinct options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Firefly switch offers a unique experience with its quiet and light actuation, providing a subtle clickiness that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch stands out for its gentle and soft tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. While the Firefly is known for being easy-to-press and chirpy, the Meteor Orange is described as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Meteor Orange utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for the top housing of a switch.
One key difference between the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Meteor Orange is their top housing materials. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more muted and rounded typing experience. This distinction in top housing materials results in a noticeable difference in sound profile and tactile feedback between the two switches.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Meteor Orange share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a more rounded and muted sound compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback on the bottom-out.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have some notable differences. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Meteor Orange, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Firefly's force is unknown while the Meteor Orange has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. The weight of the switch is an important factor to consider as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Firefly for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Meteor Orange for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance felt when pressing down on a key. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Firefly or the Meteor Orange, you can expect to get the same results when it comes to the switch's travel distance. Despite any other differences between the switches, their travel distance remains consistent at 4 mm.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 switch offers a chirpy feedback that sets it apart with a unique acoustic signature, making it a quieter option with a hint of clickiness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch provides a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, producing a deep and satisfying sound upon activation. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Firefly focusing on being quiet and light, while the Meteor Orange emphasizes a rich and moderate sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, with a polished finish for a smooth and refined feel. While the Firefly switch prioritizes a gentle resistance for effortless typing, the Meteor Orange switch aims for a comfortable and middle-ground typing experience with its refined qualities.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences. The Firefly excels in providing a quieter and light tactile experience, while the Meteor Orange offers a more moderate and refined tactile feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a unique acoustic signature or a rich, polished typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Firefly tactile switch or the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be more suited to your taste. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle and soft tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch could be the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics and advantages, so it's essential to consider factors like sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which one aligns best with your typing experience and preferences. Ultimately, make your decision based on what will enhance your typing experience and provide the most comfort and satisfaction.
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