Durock Blue Lotus vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it becomes clear that each offers distinct advantages for different types of users. The Blue Lotus is favored for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a marked tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience for users. The Blue Lotus is accentuated, bassy, snappy, and stepped, while the Mahjong is bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong offer similar qualities in terms of durability and smoothness. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This commonality ensures that users of both switches will experience a pleasant typing experience with a satisfying sound profile.
However, when it comes to the top housing materials, the two switches differ significantly. The Blue Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Mahjong utilizes POK material. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the POK material of the Mahjong is praised for its exceptional strength, wear resistance, and smoothness. While both materials offer their own advantages, users may prefer one over the other based on personal preferences and typing preferences.
In terms of sound profile and feel, the properties of the housing materials play a crucial role. The bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deep and full sound profile, while the top housing materials provide unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Mahjong will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus is the heavier of the two. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. While both switches offer different weight profiles, the Blue Lotus would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Mahjong may appeal to those who prefer a lighter keystroke for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for fast response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate these switches for their swift tactile feedback. The Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance than the Mahjong, offering a bit more depth and feedback. However, the Mahjong may feel more abrupt to some users due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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 Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. This contributes to a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, as well as factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactile feedback, snappy responsiveness, and stepped keystroke sensation. These qualities make typing on the Blue Lotus switch a dynamic and engaging experience, offering a balance between tactility and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a bouncy and lively typing sensation, with a mild and polished feel. These attributes create a comfortable and consistent typing experience that is well-suited for extended use.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a tactile and swift typing experience, with a bassy sound profile that adds to the overall satisfaction. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch stands out for its neutral sound and bouncy, polished feel, offering a comfortable and versatile typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect different but equally enjoyable results from these two switches based on their individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, accented feel, then the Durock Blue Lotus switches are the way to go. These switches offer a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a visual appeal with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, polished feel, then the Dareu Mahjong switches would be a great choice. These switches provide an effortless typing experience with a poppy sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for switch characteristics and typing experience.
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