Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and HMX Lotus are two popular options to consider. The Firefly is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and light actuation, providing a unique typing experience categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy'. On the other hand, the Lotus switch from HXM offers a linear feel with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, making each keystroke feel bouncy and delightful. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the HMX Lotus both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. However, the Lotus's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles demonstrates how different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards. While both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
On the bottom housing side, both the Firefly and the Lotus utilize nylon material. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that the typing experience on these switches will have a consistent sound profile regardless of which switch is being used. The use of nylon for the bottom housing emphasizes the importance of material choice in creating a specific sound profile on mechanical keyboards. Despite having different top housings, the Firefly and Lotus share a similar bottom housing material, showcasing how various combinations can be used to achieve different sound profiles.
When considering the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, it becomes clear that the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Firefly and Lotus demonstrates how each component contributes to the overall sound profile. While polycarbonate may create a clearer and more resonant sound in the top housing, nylon absorbs more sound in the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lotus switch is heavier at 50 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the sensitivity of keystrokes, with a lighter force making it easier to type quickly. On the other hand, the bottom out force affects the overall typing experience, with a heavier force providing a more substantial feel. Therefore, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Firefly switch, while those wanting a more robust feel may lean towards the Lotus switch. Ultimately, both switches offer different advantages based on individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within a relatively similar range, the Firefly offers a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Lotus. The Firefly's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more travel distance, while the Lotus's 3.5 mm travel distance would appeal to individuals looking for a slightly shallower press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 is known for its chirpy sound, adding a unique acoustic signature to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. Both switches provide different sound profiles, with the Firefly being quieter and the Lotus being more vibrant and bouncy.
Moving on to feel, the Firefly switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a light actuation force for effortless typing. This results in reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions and an overall comfortable and responsive typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific feel of the HMX Lotus switch. Based on the description provided, the Lotus switch seems to offer a medium weight with a bouncy feeling, making each keystroke enjoyable.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly switch stands out for its quiet and light actuation, while the Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a medium weight that enhances the typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that will cater to different typing preferences. Whether you choose the Firefly or the Lotus, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that suits your individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a quiet, almost clicky feel, the Firefly switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feeling, the Lotus switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when selecting between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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