Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear types can significantly impact your typing experience, and the Dareu Firefly and HMX Twilight switches exemplify this distinction beautifully. The Firefly switch stands out as a modern interpretation of tactile switches, combining a light actuation force with a subtle hint of clickiness, providing an enjoyable feel without the traditional loud click sound. This makes it a great option for those who seek the tactile feedback for precise typing while maintaining a quieter environment. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, classified as a linear switch, boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that allows for swift and fluid typing or gaming sessions. While the Twilight retains a slightly quieter sound profile, it still captures the signature clacky essence associated with HMX switches, catering to users who prefer a more streamlined auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your typing style and preferences; 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
3.85 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
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 Twilight house their switches using distinct materials for the top, resulting in varied acoustic experiences. The Firefly employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonance that is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is added, as the translucency of the material allows for a vivid illumination effect. In contrast, the Twilight features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic quality. When comparing these two materials, it's evident that while the Firefly's polycarbonate may create a more pronounced and vibrant articulation of sound, the Twilight's nylon offers a warmer and more muted auditory experience.
When considering the bottom housing, both the Firefly and Twilight utilize nylon, a material known for its classic standing in the realm of switch housings. This commonality means that the bottom-out sensation and sound produced when the key is fully pressed down will be similar in both switches. The nylon used in the bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience, absorbing sounds to create a more muted and cushioned feel. As a result, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housing, users of both switches can expect a consistency in the tactile feedback and sound profile at the bottom of the key press.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and HMX Twilight create unique sound profiles that can significantly affect a user’s typing experience. The sharper and crisper sound profile produced by the Firefly's polycarbonate top contrasts with the deeper and softer tonal quality offered by the Twilight's nylon top. Yet, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both typing experiences retain a level of similarity in terms of deep resonance and muted sound when the keys are pressed down. Consequently, users may find that both switches produce an enjoyable typing experience, each with its own character, while still affording familiarity in the bottom-out dynamics.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, with the Firefly requiring a force of 40 grams compared to the Twilight's slightly heavier 42 grams. This makes the Firefly the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Twilight switch provides a firmer feedback with its heavier actuation force, which might attract those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feel. Additionally, while the Twilight has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Firefly is not available, leaving a gap in direct comparison; however, it is noteworthy that the overall typing experience is likely to feel less forceful with the Firefly due to its lower actuation force. For those who prioritize lightness and comfort in their typing experience, the Dareu Firefly would be the preferable choice, while the HMX Twilight would be more suitable for users seeking a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that when pressing the Firefly switch, you will experience a more substantial travel distance, which can provide a more tactile feedback and a sense of depth in each keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Twilight switch may appeal to those who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation, which is often favored by gamers. However, while both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of feel and performance, the Firefly's 4 mm travel distance allows for a more traditional and hearty typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a fuller keystroke. Therefore, if you're looking for a more pronounced keystroke sensation, the Firefly is the better option; if you prefer quicker response times, the Twilight is the one to choose.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 switch offers a unique acoustic signature characterized as "chirpy." This trait stems from its light actuation, which creates a subtle, squeaky sound rather than the more pronounced click of traditional clicky switches. It provides a different auditory experience, blending a hint of clickiness with a quieter operation. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its slightly quieter sound, maintaining the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, although specific descriptors for its sound were not provided. The quieter nature of the Twilight may appeal to users seeking a less intrusive auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch stands out with its "easy-to-press" design, which allows for gentle resistance during key presses. This low actuation force makes it particularly effortless to type, minimizing finger fatigue over time and enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, details regarding the feel of the Twilight switch are absent, leaving a gap in comparing how it might stack up against the user-friendly experience provided by the Firefly.
Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Firefly is ideal for those who appreciate a quieter option with a gentle tactile response, making it suitable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Twilight's design may attract typists who enjoy a linear actuation, even if its feel is less defined. While the sound profiles differ, the Firefly's chirpy nature and easy actuation could create an enjoyable, low-impact typing experience, while the Twilight focuses on a quieter and possibly smoother linear travel. Each has its unique appeal, allowing users to select based on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you're looking for a lightweight, easy-to-press switch that provides a hint of clickiness without being overly loud, the Firefly is an excellent choice. Its unique chirpy sound adds character to your typing experience, making it ideal for environments where you desire a subtle auditory feedback without the striking resonance of traditional clicky switches. This makes the Firefly particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions, where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more standard linear switch feel with a bit more resistance and a muted experience while still enjoying that signature clacky characteristic, the HMX Twilight would be better for you. With its longer travel distance and light bottom-out force, the Twilight can provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, particularly great for gamers or those who enjoy a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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