Dareu Firefly vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear variants can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience, making it essential to understand the characteristics of each. The Dareu Firefly switch stands out as a tactile option, known for its quiet operation while still delivering a subtle clickiness that enhances the typing experience without the harsh sound associated with traditional clicky switches. This may appeal to users looking for a balance between feedback and discretion. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, boasting an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for quick and responsive inputs. This linear switch is paired with a bright, clacky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their gaming endeavors. Each switch has its unique strengths—whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Firefly or the rapid responsiveness and smooth feel of the Vintage Citrus. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials. The Firefly utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and transparency. This material tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, allowing for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Moreover, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual aesthetics of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to showcase vibrant illumination through their key switches. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon as its top housing material, which is recognized for its softer and more absorbent qualities. Consequently, this leads to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a rounder auditory profile that contrasts sharply with the Firefly's crispness.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, there is a notable similarity between the two. Both the Dareu Firefly and the HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a uniform sound experience during activation. Due to nylon's inherent properties, both switches are likely to generate a duller, rounder sound profile that emphasizes a warmer auditory presence. Consequently, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon in the bottom housing helps to create a richer and more cohesive sound experience across both switches. This consistency denotes that users can expect a certain level of uniformity in the sound quality when either switch is engaged, as the nylon dampens the sound upon bottoming out.
In summary, while the Firefly and Vintage Citrus switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Firefly and nylon for the Vintage Citrus—the bottom housings provide a common ground that affects the overall experience. Where the polycarbonate top of the Firefly lends itself to a brighter sound profile when releasing keys, the nylon top of the Vintage Citrus keeps things fuller and mellower. However, since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, users can achieve a similar, deeper, and more rounded auditory experience upon key actuation. This contrast in upper housing materials illustrates how different synthetics can complement and balance each other to provide varied yet enjoyable tactile and auditory responses in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Firefly has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. While the bottom out force of the Firefly is unavailable, the absence of this information suggests that it may not offer the same level of resistance at the bottom stroke as the Vintage Citrus, which could lead to a different tactile experience overall. Consequently, for those seeking a lighter switch for long use, the Firefly is the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those who prefer a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects a balance between user preference and performance. The Firefly, with its 4 mm depth, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, offering a traditional and satisfying experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, at 3 mm, caters to gamers and users who seek quicker response times, allowing for faster key presses. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus is the better choice, while those desiring a deeper, more tactile interaction would gravitate towards the Firefly. Thus, the Firefly is the longer switch, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the shorter one.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 quality, the Dareu Firefly switch presents a unique profile characterized by a chirpy sound, which conveys a light and somewhat playful acoustic signature without the traditional loud click often associated with clicky switches. This makes the Firefly ideal for users who want a tactile experience while maintaining a more subtle auditory presence. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound that enhances the gaming experience, providing audible feedback that can energize rapid key presses. However, individual sound experience may still vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Firefly switch excels with its easy-to-press design, which allows for gentle resistance during activation, necessitating minimal force for engagement. This design minimizes finger fatigue and ensures a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use. The Vintage Citrus switch, designed specifically for gamers, features an exceptionally low actuation force with a mere 1mm of travel before activation, allowing for quick and responsive inputs. Although the lack of specific descriptors for the tactile sensation could be noted, the intent of these switches suggests that both aim for ease of use, albeit with different target audiences and applications.
Overall, both the Dareu Firefly and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences and use cases. The Firefly offers a quieter, more rounded experience with its chirpy sound and easy actuation, making it suitable for a broader audience or office environments. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus is crafted for gamers who desire immediate feedback and rapid input, showcased through its bright sound and fast actuation. Ultimately, each switch brings its own strengths to the table, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs, whether they value a subtle auditory experience or the rapid responsiveness required for gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific keyboard usage and preference. If you're someone who enjoys a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for long sessions, the Firefly might be a better fit for you. Its chirpy acoustic signature, combined with a gentle actuation, makes it suitable for both casual typing and quiet environments where you want to avoid disruptive sounds. In contrast, if you're primarily a gamer who values quick responses and a tactile sound, the Vintage Citrus switch would likely serve you well. Its low actuation force and faster actuation distance are designed for rapid inputs, which allows for a more responsive and engaging gaming experience. Additionally, the clacky sound profile and smooth push feel can enhance the enjoyment while playing. Ultimately, whether you choose the Firefly for its unique and quiet tactile feedback or the Vintage Citrus for its gaming-optimized performance, both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences.
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