HMX Blue Topaz vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch are two popular options that offer unique experiences. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with a clacky sound signature and eye-catching glitter housing. On the other hand, the Firefly switch from Dareu offers a quiet yet light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness, providing a different tactile experience. While the Blue Topaz is easy-to-press and clacky, the Firefly is also easy-to-press but considered chirpy. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Firefly both use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. The Firefly also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, emphasizing a similar typing experience with its deeper sound profile.
Although both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences in their bottom housings affect the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the bottom and top housings result in distinct impacts on the sound and feel of each switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Blue Topaz and the Dareu Firefly share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the variation in their bottom housings provides unique typing experiences for users.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Firefly contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches showcase the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, creating a sharper and crisper sound. However, the differences in their bottom housings, with the Blue Topaz using nylon for a deeper sound profile and the Firefly offering a similar experience, add individuality to each switch. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Topaz is lighter with 48 grams compared to the Firefly's unknown force. In terms of weight, the Blue Topaz would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Firefly would appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the difference in bottom out force, both switches offer a similar actuation force, providing comparable results in triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Firefly, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive key press. On the other hand, the Firefly's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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.
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 Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can add to the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Overall, both switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer different sound profiles, with the Blue Topaz being clacky and the Firefly being chirpy, providing users with options to choose the sound that best suits their preferences. Both switches share the quality of being easy-to-press, offering a smooth and comfortable typing experience that can reduce typing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet switch with a hint of clickiness and a unique chirpy sound, the Firefly could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the ambiance in which you'll be using the keyboard. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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