Dareu Firefly vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the HC Studio Roselle offer unique experiences for users. The Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, making it easy to press and chirpy. On the other hand, the Roselle is a linear switch known for its smooth and frictionless feel, with a low-pitched sound signature that adds to the typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths - the Firefly for its light and quiet operation, and the Roselle for its smoothness and low-pitched sound. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and HC Studio Roselle both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profile. The Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is known for its translucency and is commonly used for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, while POM offers a more pleasing and unique sound experience. Despite these differences, both materials bring distinct qualities to the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Firefly features a nylon housing that provides a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Roselle also utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to a similarly deep and muted sound profile. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch greatly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, with nylon absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder profile compared to POM. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the material chosen for the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Dareu Firefly and HC Studio Roselle can greatly impact the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, the Roselle's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly and POM bottom housing of the Roselle contribute to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with RGB lighting compatibility or a deeper, more unique typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Firefly's 40 grams. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Firefly lacks information on its bottom out force, whereas the Roselle has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Firefly for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Roselle with its heavier bottom out force for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Firefly the longer option and the Roselle the shorter option, with the Firefly being a more traditional choice and the Roselle catering to those who prefer a quicker response time. Gamers may lean towards the Roselle for its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Firefly. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a unique chirpy sound, distinct from the traditional clicky switches, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile that is described as subtle and mellow. The specific sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and typing style, so it's important to consider overall preferences when choosing between the two.
Moving on to the feel, the Firefly switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Roselle switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless key press without any sense of resistance. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, but the Firefly focuses on gentleness and responsiveness, whereas the Roselle emphasizes smoothness and approachability.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and easy-to-press switch with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a bassy and smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Roselle could be the ideal option. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a hint of clickiness, the Firefly may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a medium-light actuation force and a smooth, bass-heavy sound profile, the Roselle could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of feel and sound, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Experiment with both switches to determine which one suits your typing needs best.
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