HMX EMO vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are distinct differences to consider. The HMX EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky feel, offering a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch is a unique tactile option that is quiet with a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness. While the EMO excels in smoothness and satisfaction, the Firefly stands out for its quiet operation and easy-to-press 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
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Dareu Firefly, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a rounder sound. In contrast, the Firefly also uses nylon for its bottom housing, showcasing similar sound characteristics to the EMO in terms of depth and fullness.
While both the EMO and Firefly share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the key difference lies in their bottom housing material. The EMO opts for nylon, which offers a softer and more absorbent quality, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon typing. On the other hand, the Firefly also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring the EMO's characteristics in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the variations in their bottom housing material, both keyboards aim to provide a balance of sound qualities throughout the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release.
In conclusion, the HMX EMO and the Dareu Firefly demonstrate a mix of similar and contrasting housing materials to achieve specific sound profiles. Both keyboards leverage the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housing to create a sharp and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While the EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile through its softer composition, the Firefly also utilizes nylon to provide a similar experience in terms of sound depth and roundness. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in these keyboards plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and Dareu Firefly tactile switch both have an actuation force of 40 grams. The EMO has a bottom out force of 46 grams, whereas the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the EMO switch slightly heavier than the Firefly in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the EMO may be the better choice for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Firefly for its potentially lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The EMO has a shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly. The difference between the two may not seem substantial, but for some users, even a small variation can make a difference in the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the EMO switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the 4 mm travel distance of the Firefly switch. Both switches offer a different feel and response, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch offers a unique clacky feel that may be more noticeable compared to the subtle clickiness of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch. The EMO's factory-lubed design contributes to a smooth typing experience with a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Firefly switch provides a chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, adding a subtle acoustic element to each key press.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch boasts a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, resulting in a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. Its effortless typing feel is complemented by its smooth performance, making it an attractive option for those seeking a responsive switch. The Dareu Firefly switch, on the other hand, is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This low-impact typing feel reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EMO provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a light bottom-out force, while the Firefly switch presents a quiet and easy-to-press option with a subtle chirpy sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and provide a unique feel and sound profile for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a light and clacky feel with a bouncy typing experience, opt for the EMO switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you want your keyboard to feel and sound while typing.
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