Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options to consider are the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Hibiscus. The Firefly, a tactile switch, offers a unique combination of light actuation and subtle clickiness, providing a pleasant typing experience without the traditional loud click typical of many tactile switches. Thus, it's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile feel but prefer a quieter workspace. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-smooth action and lightweight actuation force, making it a favorite among typists who crave a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke. With a satisfying sound profile that's clacky and poppy, it enhances the joy of typing for those who enjoy auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the choice between them crucial depending on your specific needs. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the HMX Hibiscus exhibit clear contrasts in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience of each switch. The Firefly features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic arises from the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through for an aesthetically pleasing glow. In contrast, the Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder and less pronounced auditory experience compared to its polycarbonate counterpart.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, it becomes evident that both the Firefly and the Hibiscus use nylon. As a traditional swItch housing material, nylon maintains a consistent sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. Since the bottom housing of the switch plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This shared use of nylon means that, despite the differences found in their top housings, the bottom-out impact and overall sensation during key presses will share similarities, producing a cohesive feel across both switch types.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Firefly and Hibiscus contribute to distinct sound profiles in the switches, yet they also showcase how these variations interact. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly emphasizes clarity and pitch, the nylon top of the Hibiscus brings fullness and depth to the experience. However, with both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent tactile response and sound when bottoming out the keys. This blend of contrasting and complementary materials ensures that both switches cater to varied preferences, ultimately enhancing the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it slightly lighter than the Hibiscus, which requires 42 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Firefly for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the Hibiscus. However, the Firefly lacks a measurable bottom out force, in contrast to the Hibiscus, which has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This heavier bottom out force in the Hibiscus may appeal to users who seek a stronger tactile feedback upon bottoming out, thereby enhancing their typing experience. Overall, for those prioritizing a lighter actuation feeling, the Firefly is the superior choice, whereas the Hibiscus caters to those who enjoy a heavier and more pronounced typing dynamic.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Firefly the longer option, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience when pressed. In contrast, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers who favor rapid keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing depth and tactile feedback and the other focusing on speed and responsiveness—the choice ultimately comes down to individual user preference for either a deeper feel or a snappier response.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a unique and subtle chirpy quality that sets it apart from traditional clicky switches, as it avoids the resonant click sound but still delivers a hint of clickiness. This results in a quieter typing experience that is less intrusive, making it suitable for environments where sound can be a distraction. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch presents an ultra-smooth typing experience with a sound signature that is described as clacky, poppy, and crispy. This auditory quality can create an engaging typing environment that many users find satisfying. However, the final sound experience will heavily depend on external factors, including your keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which can greatly influence how each switch sounds in practice.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch offers an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force for actuation. This gentle resistance helps to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it particularly comfortable for users who type for extended periods. The light actuation force contributes to a low-impact yet responsive typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switch is not explicitly detailed, leaving us without a direct basis for comparison. However, given its reputation for smoothness, it’s reasonable to suggest that it may provide a similarly enjoyable tactile experience, albeit with a different actuation characteristic inherent to linear switches.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Firefly switch is characterized by a quiet chirpy sound and an easy-to-press feel, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch is celebrated for its clacky sound and ultra-smooth actuation. Together, these switches showcase the diversity in mechanical keyboard switches, reflecting different auditory and tactile preferences. If you're looking for a quiet yet somewhat tactile experience, the Firefly might suit you, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback with a very smooth key press, the Hibiscus could be an excellent choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, emphasizing that personal experience will be key in determining the best fit for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a soft and easy-to-press key feel that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Firefly is the way to go. Its unique chirpy auditory feedback, while subtle, adds a pleasant dimension to your typing experience, making it suitable for quieter environments where traditional clicky sounds might be disruptive. On the other hand, if you seek a swift and smooth keypress with a slight tactile feedback, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force that’s on the lighter side, its satisfying clack and pop sound signature can enhance the excitement of gaming or fast-paced typing, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of auditory gratification while they work or play. Each switch caters to different aspects of the typing experience, so consider what elements are most important to you before making your selection.
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