Keygeek Briny vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Mahjong, two linear options that each bring their unique characteristics to the table. The Briny, crafted with a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is renowned for its balanced sound profile and offers a smooth typing experience that appeals to those who favor a more understated keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out not only for their distinctive green and white color scheme but also for their lively, poppy sound signature, which injects a bit of personality into the typing experience. While the Briny is ideal for users seeking a more neutral and polished performance, the Mahjong excels in providing a bouncy and engaging tactile feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Mahjong, a notable difference can be observed in their top housing compositions. The Keygeek Briny utilizes nylon, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer plastic properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving the keyboard a warm auditory character. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong employs POK material for its top housing. Although it offers a higher friction coefficient, which contributes to a particularly smooth typing experience, the POK material is engineered to produce a clacky and vibrant sound. As such, while both housings influence the overall typing sound, their materials lead to distinctly different auditory experiences: the Briny produces a rounded sound, whereas the Mahjong offers a more pronounced, sharp sound.
When examining the bottom housing of both keyboards, it is interesting to note that they both utilize nylon. This choice in material means that regardless of the upper housing's differences, the bottom housing will still evoke similar qualities in sound production. The nylon bottom in both the Briny and Mahjong contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of this material, reinforcing the notion that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, even though the Briny’s and Mahjong’s overall sound profiles might differ due to their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures consistency in that deeper tonal characteristic.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings and the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings contribute to a blend of sound characteristics reflective of each brand's identity. The Briny's focus on a more muted acoustic experience due to its nylon top is juxtaposed with the Mahjong's intention to deliver a crisper and more vibrant sound through its POK material. However, both keyboards will provide a nuanced typing experience owing to the nylon's properties in their bottom housings, which attaches a sense of familiarity and depth regardless of the auditory variance when keys are pressed or released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there are notable differences. The Briny offers an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a medium strength that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unavailable, which leaves a gap in understanding its full tactile response upon pressing the keys down completely. While the Briny's stronger push may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel, the Mahjong’s lighter actuation force caters well to users looking for ease during extended typing or gaming sessions. Although both switches cater to different preferences, the Briny is the heavier option overall, while the Mahjong is lighter, provided that its bottom out force remains unknown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Briny the longer travel option, catering to those who may prefer a deeper keypress for a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Mahjong, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt feel when typing. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: the Briny is better suited for those valuing depth, while the Mahjong targets individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing. This balance allows the Briny to offer a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud or too soft, making it versatile for various settings. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch has a lively and poppy sound signature that adds a unique character to the typing experience. The Mahjong's distinctive sound is likely to be more engaging, appealing to those who prefer a more dynamic auditory feedback with each key press. While both switches provide satisfying sound quality, the Briny leans towards neutrality, whereas the Mahjong is distinctly vibrant, catering to different typing preferences.
In terms of feel, the Briny has not been described in detail, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the Mahjong offers a multifaceted typing experience characterized as bouncy, mild, and polished. The bouncy nature introduces a spring-like responsiveness that enhances engagement, while the mild aspect ensures the switch remains approachable for users who might favor a gentle typing experience. The polished finish indicates a smooth and refined feel, leading to reduced friction during key presses. The combination of these qualities in the Mahjong switch provides users with a lively yet comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and serious use.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny switch is noted for its balanced sound profile, the Dareu Mahjong switch captivates with its lively auditory characteristics and richly layered feel. If you prioritize a neutral sound and are open to discovering the feel of the Briny, you may still enjoy a pleasant typing experience. Meanwhile, the Mahjong caters to those seeking a more dynamic and responsive interaction with that bouncy, polished feel. Depending on your personal preference, choosing between these two switches will ultimately lead to distinct experiences, allowing you to tailor your keyboard setup to suit your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Opt for the Briny if you desire a balanced sound profile with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a solid yet approachable typing experience that strikes a good balance between feedback and comfort. Its UPE stem and PA66 housing contribute to a refined feel, making it well-suited for both casual and intensive typing, whether at home or in an office environment. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lively and bouncy typing experience, the Mahjong switches are an excellent choice. Their unique acoustic character provides a poppy sound signature, making them fun and engaging to use. The elastic feedback and polished feel cater to those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience without being overwhelming. Therefore, assess your typing habits, whether you prefer a more grounded yet smooth session or a bouncier, exuberant feel—either switch will elevate your keyboard experience, but your choice should reflect your personal typing style and environment.
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