HMX Deep Navy vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and Dareu Firefly offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its immersive sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and the premium Ly stem design. This linear switch is ideal for those who enjoy a quiet yet responsive typing experience, making it perfect for both gaming and professional settings. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that redefines the clicky experience by providing a subtle hint of clickiness without the traditional loud sound. It features an easy-to-press design, allowing for light actuation that contributes to a comfortable typing rhythm. While the Deep Navy is suited for users seeking a smoother and quieter operation, the Firefly appeals to those who favor a tactile sensation with minimal auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Firefly showcase distinct characteristics that significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience ideal for those who prefer a more muted typing noise. In contrast, the Firefly employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity. This material creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making the typing experience more pronounced. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic appeal, especially in setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows the light to diffuse beautifully through the housing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches embrace nylon material. This similarity leads to a consistent acoustic profile beneath the keys, where the nylon bottom housing traditionally promotes a deeper sound due to its softer composition. Both switches, when pressed, will elicit a duller bottom-out sound that matches the sound dynamics established by their nylon materials. However, the differing top housings mean that users can expect distinct overall sound experiences from both switches; the Deep Navy will still exhibit a fuller sound thanks to its nylon top, while the Firefly will maintain a crisp sound due to its polycarbonate top.
In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and Dareu Firefly share the same type of housing material for their bottoms, the divergence in their top housing materials creates contrasting auditory experiences. The nylon top housing of the Deep Navy provides a more muted and warmer sound, while the Firefly's polycarbonate housing contributes to a clear and vibrant acoustics. Users aiming for a balanced sound may prefer the Deep Navy, whereas those seeking a pronounced auditory feedback will likely favor the Firefly. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a consistent experience in terms of their bottom housing, reflecting the complementary nature of their materials in this aspect.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch share the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience a comparable typing feel in terms of keystroke activation. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Deep Navy having a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unspecified. As a result, the Deep Navy offers a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out, which could cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the uncertainty surrounding the Firefly's bottom out force leaves it difficult to assess its overall resistance during deeper presses. Overall, the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter option with a clearly defined bottom out force, while the Dareu Firefly’s weight characteristics remain unknown, potentially appealing to users who favor subtlety in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Deep Navy boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Firefly extends to 4.0 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, which can benefit users who favor quicker response times, especially gamers seeking agility in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Firefly's longer 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional and may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or prefers a more pronounced depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, which many users find satisfying during typing sessions. The full nylon construction contributes to a distinctive acoustic quality that resonates well and adds to the immersive experience. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a much quieter operation with a unique chirpy sound. While it lacks the classic clicky sound signature, the Firefly features a subtle hint of clickiness that gives each keystroke a gentle auditory feedback. Both switches produce distinct sounds that cater to different user preferences, with the Deep Navy appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced audio experience, while the Firefly is suited for those who prefer a quieter environment.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch provides a smooth typing experience that promotes fluid motion without any interruptions, as is typical of linear switches. Users often appreciate this silky smoothness in every keystroke, which is ideal for rapid typing and gaming. Conversely, the Firefly switch is designed for an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation and gentle resistance enhance comfort during prolonged typing sessions, effectively reducing finger fatigue. The tactile feedback, albeit subtle, is perceptible enough to make the typing process enjoyable. Ultimately, while the Deep Navy offers a streamlined experience, the Firefly introduces a more relaxed yet responsive typing feel.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch excels in delivering a rich sound profile alongside a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback and swift keystrokes. The Dareu Firefly tactile switch, on the other hand, caters to users looking for a quiet yet engaging experience with a lighter touch and gentle feedback. Both switches provide their unique advantages, allowing newcomers to select based on their personal preferences for sound and feel. By understanding these qualities, one can make an informed decision when choosing between the two switches, ensuring an optimized typing experience tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the sound profile you enjoy. If you’re someone who appreciates a light keystroke with a rich, sharp acoustic experience, the Deep Navy switch is likely the better fit for you. With its full nylon construction and silky smoothness, it provides a satisfying and noise-friendly typing experience suitable for long writing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you favor a switch that combines the ease of a light actuation with a unique chirpy sound, the Firefly switch could be more appealing. Its design minimizes resistance, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged use and ideal for those who want a gentle tactile feedback without the loud clickiness typically found in clicky switches. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style, noise sensitivity, and the specific environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard when making your decision.
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