Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Lucky present two distinct yet appealing options for users seeking different typing experiences. The Firefly switch is notable for its quiet nature, providing a light actuation and a subtle hint of clickiness that still preserves an understated aesthetic, making it an ideal choice for those who value a tactile feel without the traditional loud click. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch boasts a softer, glittery nylon housing that delivers a neutral yet satisfying typing experience, catering to those who prefer smooth keystrokes and a linear response. While the Firefly is particularly well-suited for individuals who might be working in shared spaces or prefer a quieter environment, the Lucky switch offers a more fluid and unencumbered typing experience, ideal for gamers and typists who crave seamless input. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Lucky, one finds a notable difference in the top housings that directly influences their sound profiles. The Firefly opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which promotes a sharper and crisper sound profile. This choice enhances the clarity of each keystroke, making it an optimal option for users who value the acoustic precision of their keyboard, especially in RGB lighting contexts. In contrast, the Lucky features a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer and more absorbing quality. The result is a deeper and fuller sound profile, which lends itself to a more muted typing experience. Therefore, while both switches utilize high-quality materials, the resulting auditory feedback from each reflects the distinct characteristics of the chosen plastics.
Interestingly, both the Firefly and the Lucky share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality suggests that both switches will provide similar foundational qualities in terms of sound absorption and overall feel. Since nylon is known for absorbing sound, users can expect a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound and tactile sensation regardless of the top housing material. This shows that while the top housing may define the initial auditory response, the influence of the nylon bottom housing will create an underlying consistency in the user experience of both switches, making typing on either switch feel solid and satisfying.
In summary, the comparison of the Dareu Firefly and HMX Lucky reveals how disparate top housing materials can create varied sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing leads to a similar tactile experience in both keyboards. The Firefly's use of polycarbonate at the top enhances the clarity and sharpness of the sound, complemented by the fuller resonance offered by the nylon bottom. On the other hand, the Lucky benefits from the softer nylon throughout, resulting in a cohesive muted sound. Despite these differences, the combination of their respective materials ensures that users will have a rewarding typing experience, though it will vary in auditory characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, some interesting differences in weight preferences emerge. The Firefly has an actuation force of 40 grams but unfortunately lacks a specified bottom out force. In contrast, the Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, which indicates that it bottom out relatively lightly. This means that for those who favor a lighter feel, the HMX Lucky is the better choice, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Dareu Firefly, with a heavier actuation force, caters more to users who prefer a more substantial push, offering a tactile experience that some might find more satisfying despite the lack of available bottom out metrics. Overall, while the Lucky is the lighter option, the Firefly provides a heavier tactile feel, appealing to different user preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Firefly offers a deeper press, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback and a satisfying experience for users who enjoy that extra depth. In contrast, the Lucky's 3.8 mm travel distance allows for quicker actuation, appealing to gamers and those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, for those who prefer a more pronounced key press, the Firefly's 4 mm distance will likely be a better fit, whereas the Lucky's 3.8 mm might serve gamers or fast typists better due to its marginally shorter distance for quicker response times.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Firefly stands out with its distinctive chirpy sound. This unique acoustic signature adds a subtle character to each keystroke, providing a light squeak that distinguishes it from more traditional clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch remains silent regarding sound characterization, implying a lack of distinctive auditory feedback. Consequently, while those who appreciate nuanced sounds may prefer the Firefly, the Lucky switch will appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press characteristics, allowing for minimal force during activation. This quality leads to reduced finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions. The light actuation force provides a responsive experience without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have a designated feel description available, meaning it’s challenging to compare it directly in terms of tactile response. However, generally, linear switches like the Lucky are known for their smooth key presses without tactile bumps or resistance, offering a consistent experience from top to bottom.
In summary, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique sound experience with its chirpy acoustic signature and a very light, easy-to-press feel that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, while the HMX Lucky linear switch remains quiet and provides a neutral and satisfying typing experience, specific subjective qualities are less defined. For users who prioritize sound and effortless activation, the Firefly is a compelling choice; those who prefer silent, smooth operation may lean towards the Lucky, albeit with less clarity on its tactile feedback qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself in search of a quieter typing experience with some tactile feedback, albeit less pronounced than traditional clicky switches, the Firefly may be the right option for you. Its lightweight actuation and chirpy sound can make for a pleasant and less fatigue-inducing experience during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional linear feel with a neutral response and don't mind a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Lucky switch will likely serve you well. Its smooth keypresses and satisfying feedback can enhance your gaming or work efficiency. Whether you enjoy a more tactile engagement or a smooth, linear experience, both switches have key attributes that could cater to different styles and preferences. Choose the one that resonates with your typing habits and comfort to elevate your keyboard experience.
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