Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, you will find both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, making it a great choice for those looking for a reduced housing and stem wobble experience. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial yet not too hefty, along with a unique light column for in-switch lighting, it is categorized as smooth, buttery, mild, polished. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their distinctive green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature. Offering an effortless typing experience, they are categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, polished. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong feature top housings made of premium materials, with the Black Lotus using a Modified PC and UPE Blend and the Mahjong utilizing POK material. The Modified PC and UPE Blend provides a unique and premium feel to the Black Lotus switches, while the POK material in the Mahjong switches offers exceptional smoothness and durability. Both materials contribute to overall smooth and clacky switches, but the POK material in the Mahjong switches boasts enhanced wear resistance and shock resistance compared to the Black Lotus's housing material.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon for its classic switch housing properties. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience on both switches. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing sound and feel in this aspect.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong feature different top housing materials, they both provide exceptional typing experiences with unique characteristics. The Black Lotus's Modified PC and UPE Blend offers a premium feel, while the Mahjong's POK material enhances smoothness, durability, and sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Despite these differences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch differ in weight. The Black Lotus has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, though the bottom out force is unknown. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mahjong for longer typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier forces of the Black Lotus for a more solid push feel. In terms of weight, the Black Lotus is heavier than the Mahjong, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, making it a bit more traditional in feel compared to the Mahjong. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a lively and poppy sound signature, which adds a unique element to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and uniform typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch is characterized as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a gentle and refined typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus provides a neutral sound profile with a silky and polished typing experience, the Mahjong switch offers a lively sound signature with a bouncy and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their time at the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you're looking for a smooth and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and a more bouncy typing feel, the Dareu Mahjong could be the switch that suits your preferences. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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