HMX Cheese vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Firefly switches. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that offers a new take on clicky switches. It provides a very light actuation with just a hint of clickiness, making it very quiet without the classic resonant clicky sound signature. While the HMX Cheese excels in providing a smooth typing experience and satisfying sound profile, the Dareu Firefly stands out for being easy to press and offering a chirpy feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Firefly differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles and material properties. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that results in a more clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic difference is also notable, as the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, while the opaque nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a more classic look.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Cheese and Firefly share the same nylon composition, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience on both switches elicits a similar dull and round sound characteristic of nylon housing. However, the impact of the bottom housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch is noticeable when typing, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Cheese and Dareu Firefly switches greatly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Firefly with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, the Cheese with its nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound with a more classic aesthetic. Although both switches share the same nylon bottom housing resulting in a similar sound profile, the difference in top housing material highlights the unique qualities that each switch brings to the table.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 43 grams, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Cheese has a slightly higher bottom out force of 46 grams, as opposed to the Firefly's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Cheese may provide a bit more resistance when fully pressed compared to the Firefly, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Cheese may be slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is evident that the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Firefly's 4 mm. The Cheese's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who value fast reactions. On the other hand, the Firefly's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial keypress depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Firefly being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either speed or depth in keypresses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, setting it apart from other ultra-light switches on the market. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a quieter experience, with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness. These differences in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience, providing users with options based on their preference for noise level.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides users with an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. This smooth feel combined with the light actuation force of the Cheese switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch boasts an easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate the keys. This can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer distinct advantages in both sound and feel. The Cheese switch provides a crisp and clacky sound with unparalleled smoothness, while the Firefly switch offers a quieter experience with easy-to-press keys. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and reliability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a pronounced sound signature, the HMX Cheese switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, the Dareu Firefly switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Choose wisely based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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