Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Macchiato stand out for different reasons, catering to varied preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Firefly, renowned for its light actuation and subtle clickiness, offers a unique alternative to conventional tactile switches, providing a pleasant typing experience without the usual loud clicking sounds. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a responsive touch while maintaining a quieter environment. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, delivers a silky smooth typing feel combined with a bright sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. This linear switch is perfect for gamers and typists seeking maximum speed and minimal resistance. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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 Macchiato showcase distinct approaches to housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Firefly employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This translucency not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing option for aesthetic enthusiasts. On the contrary, the Macchiato features a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the realm of keyboard switches. The inherent softness of nylon leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. These contrasting materials highlight how the choice of top housing significantly influences the overall acoustics of each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Firefly and the Macchiato utilize nylon material. This commonality serves to balance the distinct acoustic profiles established by their top housings. Since both switches feature nylon in their lower housings, they share the benefits of a deep, full sound, allowing for a more rounded auditory experience upon bottoming out. The nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound waves, reducing harshness during typing, and contributing to a more muted and pleasant tactile feedback. While their top housings present a clear divergence in sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the experienced depth is retained across both models.
In the end, the combination of housing materials in the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Macchiato creates a diverse range of auditory experiences compatible with user preferences. The Firefly offers a crisp, resonant sound profile ideal for those who appreciate clarity, facilitated by its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, which helps to round out the overall sound. Meanwhile, the Macchiato caters to users who prefer a deeper, softer typing experience, utilizing its nylon top and bottom to create a fuller auditory profile. These distinctions illustrate how the interaction between different housing materials can lead to complementary yet contrasting outcomes in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Firefly features an actuation force of 40 grams, which positions it as the lighter option in terms of keystroke activation. However, its bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it feels when pressed down completely. In contrast, the Macchiato switch boasts a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams along with a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicative of a more substantial feel when typing. This heavier bottom out force provides a tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more robust typing experience. Therefore, while the Firefly is designed for lighter keystrokes, the Macchiato is better suited for individuals who appreciate a firmer push when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch feature identical travel distances of 4 mm, meaning that both switches provide the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity indicates that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when operating either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Since both switches share this measurement, those seeking a balanced tactile feedback will find little to differentiate the two in terms of travel distance.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 presents a distinctive acoustic signature characterized by a chirpy quality. This chirp adds a unique flair to the typing experience, making it stand out among traditional clicky switches. It’s a subtle sound that avoids the harsher resonant clicks commonly associated with this switch type, creating an overall quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato linear switch does not have a defined sound description in the information provided, which leaves some uncertainty about its acoustic profile. However, given that it is designed for a smooth typing experience, it likely aims for a more muted, linear sound characteristic that avoids the audible distractions of pronounced clicks.
In terms of feel, the Firefly excels with its easy-to-press design, providing gentle resistance that demands minimal force to activate. This low actuation force makes typing not just effortless but also significantly reduces finger fatigue during long sessions, enhancing overall comfort. The tactile nature of the Firefly ensures that users can enjoy clear feedback without excessive strain. Unfortunately, the HMX Macchiato's feel is not elaborately described, which means it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this area. However, its design intent suggests it may focus on smooth actuation and comfort, aligning with the overall goal of an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique sound profile and an exceptionally light and comfortable feel that may appeal to those looking for a quieter yet responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Macchiato linear switch, though its acoustic attributes remain unclear, is designed for smoothness that could cater to a similar comfort-oriented audience. Ultimately, while the Firefly's chirpy sound and easy actuation are distinct selling points, the Macchiato's focus on silky smoothness indicates both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways. Choosing between them will hinge on personal preferences—specifically whether one favors a tactile experience with subtle sound or a smooth linear action.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you prioritize a lightweight, effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and enjoy a unique acoustic quality, the Firefly's chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel may be ideal for you. It’s particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or scenarios where you need to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear action with a bit more resistance for intentional keystrokes, the Macchiato switch is your best bet. It’s great for users who appreciate a more traditional typing feel with the benefit of added stability during rapid typing. Overall, consider your workflow and comfort to decide which switch will enhance your keyboard experience most effectively.
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