SP-Star Ayara vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Mahjong stand out as notable options to consider. The Ayara is a linear switch best known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches from Dareu feature a distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a unique highlight within their switch lineup. With a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switches provide a different typing experience compared to the Ayara. The Ayara is categorized as neutral, high-pitched, polished, while the Mahjong is categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable options for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Mahjong differ in their top housing materials. The Ayara uses nylon top housing, which absorbs sound to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Mahjong utilizes POK top housing, known for its smooth texture and exceptional durability. While both housing materials contribute to the overall sound of the switches, the Ayara's nylon top housing may provide a softer and rounder sound compared to the Mahjong's POK top housing, which offers a smoother and clackier sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Ayara and the Mahjong are similar, as they both use nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ayara and the Mahjong may produce similar sound and feel characteristics, with a duller and rounder sound profile that is unique to nylon housing materials.
In conclusion, the differences in housing materials between the SP-Star Ayara and the Dareu Mahjong can have an impact on the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches use nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the Ayara's nylon top housing may offer a different sound profile compared to the Mahjong's POK top housing. The POK material in the Mahjong provides a smoother and clackier sound, along with exceptional durability, which may set it apart from the Ayara in terms of overall typing experience. Both housing materials have their unique qualities that contribute to the switches' overall performance, making them suitable choices for different preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Ayara switch does not have a specified actuation force, and the Mahjong switch does not have a specified bottom out force. This makes the Ayara switch more suitable for those who prefer a medium bottom out force, while the Mahjong switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter actuation force. In terms of weight, the Ayara switch is heavier due to its bottom out force being higher, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Mahjong switch is lighter due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for long typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for force and weight.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mahjong has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize speed and fast response times may lean towards the Mahjong due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keypress and more tactile feedback may prefer the Ayara with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch also provides a neutral sound experience, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile for a versatile typing experience. Both switches are great choices for individuals who enjoy a balanced and adaptable sound signature, whether they are beginners or experienced users.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Mahjong linear switch provides a mix of characteristics, including a bouncy sensation for spring-like feedback, a mild typing experience for gentle key presses, and a polished finish for sleek key travel. While the Ayara switch focuses on a polished feel, the Mahjong switch combines bouncy, mild, and polished aspects for a dynamic and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Mahjong switch delivers a poppy sound signature and a mix of bouncy, mild, and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect satisfying typing experiences with either switch option. Ultimately, both switches offer versatile options for different typing preferences, ensuring a pleasant and customizable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium heftness with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound, the Ayara switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique green and white color scheme, a lively and poppy sound signature, along with a bouncy and polished feel, then the Mahjong switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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