Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Gravel offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Firefly, a tactile switch renowned for its distinctive light actuation and subtle clickiness, provides a satisfying experience without the typical loud click often associated with such switches. This makes it an ideal choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback but prefer a quieter environment, making it a great option for both office use and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, delivering a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless experience. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize fluidity and speed over tactile feedback. Despite these general differences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and HMX Gravel switches share a striking similarity in their use of polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic performance. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially in RGB lighting applications, but also contributes to a resonant sound quality that is consistent across both models. As such, users can expect a similarly engaging auditory experience when utilizing either switch, making them advantageous choices for enthusiasts seeking vibrant lighting effects coupled with clear sound fidelity.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Firefly and Gravel are both made from nylon, which introduces a different acoustic characteristic into the overall sound profile of each switch. Nylon's relatively softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more noise during operation compared to harder plastics. This property creates a rounder and more muted sound when typing, providing a distinct auditory experience that complements the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops. Thus, while the top housings enhance the highs, the nylon bottoms ensure a balanced, rounded output, establishing a cohesive harmony between both components in both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in the Firefly and Gravel creates a unique synergy that defines the overall typing experience. Since both switches employ the same materials for their respective sections, users can expect to achieve similar acoustic results across the board. The distinction lies in the interplay of these materials: where the polycarbonate tops add clarity and brightness, the nylon bottoms contribute warmth and depth. This dual-material approach not only ensures that both switches deliver excellent performance but also highlights how variations in housing materials can shape the sound signature, offering users a refined experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch to the HMX Gravel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter than the Gravel's actuation force of 45 grams. This lower force in the Firefly might appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience, particularly during long hours of work or gaming, as it requires less energy to register a keypress. On the other hand, the Gravel switch, while heavier, provides a more substantial feel which some users might prefer for its tactile feedback and perceived durability. Regarding bottom out forces, the Firefly's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Gravel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feeling when the switch is fully pressed down. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience that enables prolonged use, the Firefly would be the better option, while the Gravel would suit those who prefer a heavier, more grounded typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Gravel linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This evident difference in travel distance provides distinct tactile experiences for users. The Firefly's 4 mm travel allows for a more traditional and pronounced keystroke, appealing to those who favor a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Gravel's 3.5 mm travel caters to gamers and individuals who appreciate quick response times and a more immediate actuation, aligning with the current trend towards shorter travel distances in the market. Thus, while the Firefly may feel more substantial and rewarding to some users, the Gravel offers a quicker and potentially more efficient experience for others.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 tactile switch has a unique sound profile that's characterized by a chirpy acoustic signature, which brings a light touch of squeakiness to each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Gravel linear switch does not have a defined sound profile provided, but it is important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. This means that while the Firefly’s chirpiness sets it apart, the Gravel may offer a more subdued sound experience, potentially depending on your specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch excels in providing an easy-to-press experience. Its light actuation force makes for a very responsive typing session, requiring minimal effort and resulting in comfortable usage over extended periods. This reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall typing enjoyment. The Gravel switch, known for its exceptional smoothness, likely offers a similarly effortless typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. Though specifics about its tactile feedback are not provided, the smoothness and responsiveness of the Gravel can make it equally appealing for those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in each keystroke.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly and HMX Gravel switches cater to different auditory preferences while maintaining a strong focus on ease of use and comfort in feel. The Firefly's chirpy sound provides a distinctive auditory feedback that some users may find satisfying, while the Gravel’s likely smoothness without a clear sound signature appeals to those who prefer a quieter experience. Both switches feature light actuation forces that enhance the typing experience, making them great choices for users seeking comfort and responsiveness in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a switch that combines a very light actuation with a subtle clicky feel, making it ideal for a quieter workspace while still providing a tactile response, the Firefly is perfect for you. Its easy-to-press characteristic reduces finger fatigue, making it a great option for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and more refined typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Gravel may be your better choice. This switch excels in providing an effortless and responsive feel without the noise typically associated with clicky switches, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios where speed and fluidity are crucial. In essence, choose the Firefly for a unique tactile experience with a quiet profile, and opt for the Gravel if you prioritize smoothness and a consistently satisfying typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
