Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Mahjong stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Box Jades are favored for their medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and satisfying tactility, making them ideal for those who enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches from Dareu are notable for their distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a unique visual appeal. These switches provide a lively, poppy sound signature and a smooth typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your preference for a clicky or linear switch. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Mahjong switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Mahjong utilizes a POK top housing, which boasts a smooth and clacky feel with exceptional durability. While both materials have their respective strengths, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing may provide a crisper sound profile compared to the Mahjong's POK material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Mahjong switches use nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. With both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound and feel elicited. This similarity in housing material for the bottom housing may result in comparable typing experiences for both the Box Jade and the Mahjong switches.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Mahjong switches differ in their choice of top housing materials (polycarbonate vs. POK), they share a common ground in using nylon for the bottom housing. This shared material for the bottom housing may lead to a similar overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. However, the differences in the top housing materials, with the Box Jade offering a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate material and the Mahjong providing a smooth and clacky feel with its POK material, offer users distinct options to choose from based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is also higher at 60 grams, while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Jade provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Dareu Mahjong may be the more suitable option. In terms of weight, the Box Jade would be considered the heavier option while the Dareu Mahjong is the lighter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Box Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong, which could result in a slightly more tactile feel when typing or gaming. However, both switches fall within the range of the most common travel distances, and users may not notice a significant difference in feel between the two. Ultimately, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong for faster response times, or the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Jade for a more tactile experience, will depend on personal preference. Both switches offer a satisfying key press experience, and users are likely to get similar results regardless of which one they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with a tactile bump. This can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a louder and more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This can be a suitable option for users looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing overall performance. Please note that the actual sound produced by the switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is engaging and responsive. This can enhance the typing experience by offering a noticeable bump without being overwhelming. In comparison, the Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like rebound sensation when pressed. Additionally, it is noted for its mild and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. These qualities can appeal to users seeking a comfortable and consistent typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade is characterized by its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch provides a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, mild, and polished feel. Choose the Box Jade for a louder and more tactile typing experience, while opting for the Mahjong for a quieter and smoother typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound and tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound signature and effortless feel, the Mahjong would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing style.
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