Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch. The Gateron Beer switch, inspired by the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a refreshing tactile experience with its lightweight and stepped tactility. Known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, it provides an easy-to-press feel for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature. Providing a bouncy and polished typing experience, these switches are categorized as both mild and neutral. Both switches offer their unique advantages, but 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and durability in their design. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong's POK top housing boasts smoothness and durability, providing a clacky typing feel that is built to last. While the Beer's top housing is focused on creating a distinct sound, the Mahjong's top housing prioritizes both smoothness and longevity.
In terms of the bottom housing, the differences between the Beer's polycarbonate and the Mahjong's nylon are distinct. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the sharper sound profile of its top housing, providing a consistent and clear bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing enhances the fuller and deeper sound produced by its top housing, creating a more rounded and muted bottom-out sound. While the Beer's bottom housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more absorbent typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Mahjong ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Beer's polycarbonate housing may appeal to those looking for a crisper and higher-pitched sound, the Mahjong's POK housing offers a smoother and more durable typing experience. However, both switches showcase the importance of choosing the right housing materials to enhance the overall performance and feel of mechanical keyboards. Whether going for a sharper sound profile with the Beer or a smoother feel with the Mahjong, both switches deliver reliable and high-quality performance for users seeking top-tier typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Beer also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Mahjong is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Beer switch would be the better option. This would be ideal for typing for longer periods or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be more suitable, although the bottom out force is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer the same level of keypress feedback and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The stepped tactility of these switches provides a subtle two-stage feel, different from the sharp bump of other tactility types. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is defined as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds liveliness to the typing experience. Additionally, the Mahjong switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined key travel.
Considering all available information, it's clear that the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactility, the Mahjong offers a neutral sound profile with bouncy, polished keys. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience but cater to different preferences. Therefore, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound and stepped tactility or a neutral sound with a bouncy and polished feel. Ultimately, both switches will provide satisfactory results, albeit with differing subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light actuation force and a stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lively, poppy sound signature and a smooth and refined finish for a polished typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switch could be the ideal pick. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall keyboard experience. Choose wisely to enhance your typing journey.
Mentioned in this article
