Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the decision between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience. The Dareu Firefly stands out in the tactile category, offering a unique approach to clicky switches with its quiet operation and light actuation, complemented by a subtle hint of clickiness that enhances feedback without overwhelming sound. It's perfect for those who appreciate a satisfying typing sensation while seeking to maintain a quieter environment. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam excels in the linear switch arena, delivering a smooth and consistent keystroke with a gratifying top-out and a pleasant clack, thanks to its expertly engineered materials and factory lubrication. This switch appeals to gamers and typists who prioritize rapid, uninterrupted key presses without tactile bumps. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, whether you value the tactile feedback of the Firefly or the smoothness of the Sunset Gleam. 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a remarkable similarity in their choice of materials for their top and bottom housings. Both switches feature polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared polycarbonate design ensures that users will experience brightness and clarity when typing, amplified by the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting, allowing it to shine through and enhance the aesthetic appeal of both switches. This consistent use of polycarbonate means that users can expect similarly vibrant visual and auditory experiences from both switch models.
In contrast to the shared qualities of the top housings, both the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones provided by the polycarbonate tops. This fundamental difference between the upper and lower housings allows each switch to balance sound qualities in a complementary manner. Users will appreciate how the nylon effectively absorbs sound and softens the bottom-out noise, creating a well-rounded typing experience that complements the crispness of the polycarbonate.
Overall, while both the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Sunset Gleam share identical housing materials for the top and bottom, the way these materials interact defines the user experience. The polycarbonate top ensures clarity and vibrancy, particularly under RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom balances this brightness with a fuller, warmer sound. Thus, despite being composed of the same materials, the unique contributions of the top and bottom housings culminate in a distinctive yet harmonious typing experience across both models, making them appealing choices for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Firefly has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam requires a 42-gram actuation force, giving it a firmer feel. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unavailable, while the Sunset Gleam has a specified bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feedback when bottoming out. This heavier bottom out force enhances the tactile experience, which might appeal to users who prefer a stronger tactile response while typing. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use might lean towards the Firefly, while those looking for a more robust typing experience with the heavier bottom out force may favor the Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Firefly features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preference for switch depth, providing a more tactile experience for users who enjoy a pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker response times. The 3.5 mm distance allows for faster actuation, which can enhance performance in competitive settings. For individuals who appreciate a more responsive feel, the Sunset Gleam is the better choice, while those who favor the satisfying depth of a keystroke might lean towards the Firefly. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Firefly is the longer option at 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam is the shorter one at 3.5 mm.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 offers a uniquely quiet experience, characterized by a chirpy quality that adds a subtle, squeaky note to each key press. This distinct acoustic signature helps to differentiate it from traditional clicky switches, which often feature a pronounced and resonant click. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch does not have a specified sound quality provided, but it is noted for a satisfying clack at top-out. This might suggest that while the Sunset Gleam may not have the same chirpy characteristic, it could offer a crisper sound at the point of actuation, catering to users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch is designed to be exceptionally easy to press, providing gentle resistance that allows for effortless activation. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it an ideal option for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. The HMX Sunset Gleam's tactile feel hasn't been explicitly detailed, which leaves a gap in comparing its tactile engagement against the comfortable and responsive feedback offered by the Firefly. However, being a linear switch, it is generally expected to provide a smooth experience without the tactile bump, contrasting the more dynamic actuation feel of the Firefly.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch stands out with its unique chirpy sound and light actuating feel, offering a comfortable and quiet typing experience. While the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch presents a different acoustic profile overall, it may appeal to users who prefer a smooth and satisfying clack at the top-out. Without clear details on the Sunset Gleam's sound and feel, it’s hard to make detailed comparisons, but those who lean towards the tactile experience of the Firefly can expect a gentle, fatigue-reducing touch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing style and desired auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter and quieter typing experience, particularly in office environments or shared spaces, the Firefly is likely your best bet. Its unique chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel make it ideal for long typing sessions where you desire responsiveness without excess noise. Conversely, if you prefer a satisfying, albeit subtle clack and are looking for a switch that provides a bit more feedback as you type, the Sunset Gleam would be a better fit. Its slightly higher actuation force and smooth linear travel offer a different experience, making it suitable for gamers or individuals who enjoy a more tactile sensation without the clicky sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects of typing or gaming are most important to you before making your final decision.
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