HMX Game1989 vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Mahjong stand out as two appealing linear options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky feel, offers a satisfying tactile response that many gamers and typists appreciate. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong switches are characterized by their vibrant green and white design, delivering a lively, poppy sound that enhances the typing experience and adds a touch of flair to your setup. While both switches provide a smooth actuation typical of linear designs, the HMX 1989 leans towards producing a richer sound profile, whereas the Mahjong offers a more playful auditory feedback. Choosing between these two can be influenced by your aesthetic preferences and desired typing feel; the HMX 1989 excels in a deep, resonant experience, while the Mahjong provides a bright and bouncy performance. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and Dareu Mahjong switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and user experiences. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which promotes a sharper and clearer sound due to its stiffer nature. This material also offers translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong features POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while smooth and strong, contributes to a "clacky" sound profile, setting it apart from the crispness of polycarbonate. Although both materials are high-performance plastics, they deliver different auditory sensations and aesthetics, influenced largely by their physical properties.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice known for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This similarity means that both the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Mahjong share a common auditory experience when the switches are pressed down. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, leading to a more rounded acoustical effect that enhances the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the use of nylon in both models ensures that users will still notice a similar bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a satisfying tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
Overall, while the HMX 1989 and Dareu Mahjong switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their choice of top housing materials—polycarbonate vs. polyketone—the consistency in their bottom housing made from nylon unifies their sound profiles closer than one might expect. The top materials create differentiation in the sound and aesthetics, while the nylon base adds to a shared deep and full auditory outcome. Thus, users can enjoy both switches, appreciating how the combination of different materials can lead to varying auditory experiences without sacrificing the fundamental qualities that nylon brings to the typing experience.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. This similarity means that users of either switch can expect a comparable effort for actuation, making both an appealing choice for those who appreciate a lighter touch in their keyboards, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force diverges; while the 1989 switch has a known bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly firmer experience when fully depressed, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch remains unknown. This lack of information leaves uncertain how it compares when it comes to the sensation felt upon bottoming out. Consequently, the HMX 1989 is categorized as medium-light due to its balanced forces, while the Mahjong may be lighter or heavier depending on its bottom out force, but without specific data, this remains speculative.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we find a notable difference: the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're after a more traditional experience with a heartier depth, the 1989 switch is the better choice, providing a fuller travel feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong's shorter 3.4 mm distance may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, which is often favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation. Thus, while both switches offer their unique advantages based on travel distance preferences, the HMX 1989 is the longer of the two, making it suitable for users who appreciate depth in their key presses, while the Dareu Mahjong caters to those who prefer a more responsive and quick actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep, thocky acoustics, which provide a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is designed to deliver a richer sound profile that resonates pleasantly with each keystroke, making it stand out in environments where keyboard noise can be a desirable feature. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a lively, poppy sound signature that is more in line with a snappy feedback when typing. This sound quality tends to create an energetic atmosphere and may be more suited for users who appreciate a brighter auditory experience while typing. Both switches, however, will have their sound characteristics influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the 1989 switch provides a unique typing experience characterized by its smoothness and depth. While specific descriptors for its feel are unspecified, users can expect a generally satisfying tactile feedback that can facilitate long typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches are noted for their bouncy characteristics, offering a spring-like sensation that feels dynamic and lively during typing. The mild nature of these switches ensures a gentler touch while the polished finish translates to smoother key travel, allowing for a refined and enjoyable tapping experience. The combination of these features may appeal to those who prefer a more forgiving yet engaging typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Dareu Mahjong linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, particularly evident in their sound and feel. While the 1989 offers a deeper and thockier sound profile paired with smooth actuation, the Mahjong provides a lively auditory experience coupled with a bouncy and polished feel. These differences mean that users can expect distinct typing experiences, and the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether one prefers the rich acoustics of the 1989 or the lively engagement of the Mahjong, both switches offer a satisfying experience that can accommodate a variety of typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you’re looking for a switch that delivers a medium-light feel with a thocky, deep sound, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent choice. Its bottom-out force of 53 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many typists find comfortable, especially if you enjoy a more tactile feedback that’s not too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a livelier, more playful typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switch is appealing. The Mahjong's bouncy and polished feel, coupled with its unique sound signature, makes it ideal for users who want effortless key presses with a distinct auditory feedback. Ultimately, if you appreciate a refined, smooth typing experience with some pop and bounce, the Mahjong is your go-to, whereas the HMX 1989 is suited for those who enjoy a deeper, more robust auditory character while typing. Thus, your choice hinges on whether you lean towards a more pronounced sound and feel, or a lively, effortless typing experience.
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