HMX Cheese vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, providing a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience. While the HMX Cheese is categorized as a linear switch with ultra-light actuation, the Mahjong falls under categories like 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these two switches may rely on personal preferences such as typing feel, sound characteristics, and actuation force. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Mahjong both offer unique characteristics and benefits to keyboard switches. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong showcases a POK top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. While both materials contribute to the overall sound of the switches, the POK material in the Mahjong offers superior durability and smoothness compared to the nylon in the Cheese.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Cheese and the Mahjong utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deep and full sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs sound better than harder plastics. With similar bottom housing materials, both keyboards may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the overall durability and shock resistance of the switches may differ due to the POK top housing in the Mahjong.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Mahjong create distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for users. The Cheese's nylon top housing may provide a deeper sound, while the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smoother and more durable typing experience. Despite both keyboards using nylon bottom housing, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, users may prefer one keyboard over the other based on their preference for sound profile, smoothness, and durability in their typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Mahjong, making the Cheese slightly easier to trigger. However, the Cheese also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Mahjong. This means that while the Cheese is lighter overall, it requires a slightly heavier force to fully depress the key. This could result in a less pronounced typing experience compared to the Mahjong, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5mm, slightly longer than the 3.4mm travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Cheese switch offering a slightly deeper key press compared to the Mahjong switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is unmatched among other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a lively and poppy sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience, with the Cheese switch being lighter and potentially louder, while the Mahjong switch offers a more moderate sound profile suitable for various settings.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience that sets it apart from other switches. Meanwhile, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a bouncy, mild, and polished feel that gives a spring-like feedback sensation, gentle typing experience, and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and effortless typing experience, with the Cheese switch being known for its smoothness and the Mahjong switch for its lively and bouncy feel.
Overall, when comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch excels in providing a satisfying clacky sound and unparalleled smoothness, while the Mahjong switch stands out with its lively sound signature and bouncy feel. Depending on personal preference, either switch can offer a premium typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches will find a suitable option for their desired sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are sure to deliver a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, you should opt for the HMX Cheese if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, an unparalleled smoothness, and a satisfying clacky sound signature. The HMX Cheese switches are ideal for those who enjoy a light and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch would be more fitting for those who appreciate a unique color scheme, a lively poppy sound signature, and a bouncy feel with a mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you select the switch that best suits your needs.
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