Gateron CJ vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CJ and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two excellent options within the linear switch category. The Gateron CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of what a linear switch can offer, with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel that users find incredibly satisfying. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature that enhances the typing experience. While the CJ is described as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', 'Thocky', the Mahjong is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique features and benefits, so 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Dareu Mahjong offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky, while the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable switch experience. Both materials contribute to a clacky sound profile, but the POK material of the Mahjong surpasses the INK blend in terms of durability and wear resistance.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ's POM material creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, contrasting with the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing which yields a deeper and fuller sound. The POM material of the CJ offers a unique sound experience, but the nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong is praised for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile. Both materials bring their own qualities to the switches, impacting the overall typing experience in different ways.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Dareu Mahjong play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches offer a clacky sound profile, the CJ's materials provide a slightly higher-pitched sound, while the Mahjong's materials emphasize smoothness and durability. The contrasting qualities of the top and bottom housing materials contribute to a unique typing experience for each switch, showcasing the importance of housing material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the CJ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the CJ is 60 grams, while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the CJ switch requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, it also provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a lighter actuation force but lacks information on its bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the CJ for its medium actuation and bottom out forces, while others may opt for the Mahjong for a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in the typing feel and comfort, with lighter switches being ideal for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more robust typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this comparison, the Mahjong switch has a slightly shorter travel distance than the CJ switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the CJ switch falls into the more traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Mahjong switch is on the shallower end, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you value a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses or a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Both switches offer different experiences that cater to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique chirpy sound with a little squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The CJ provides a higher-pitched clack, while the Mahjong offers a lively and poppy sound signature. Both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, with the CJ giving a more distinctive sound and the Mahjong offering a versatile sound profile depending on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The Mahjong switch also offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the CJ emphasizing smoothness and the Mahjong focusing on a lively and polished feel.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a chirpy, higher-pitched sound with an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switch could be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a neutral sound profile with a lively, poppy sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the Mahjong switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CJ linear switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what characteristics are most important to you. If you enjoy a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a medium bottom out force, higher-pitched clacks, and an impossibly smooth push feel, then the Gateron CJ linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive green and white color scheme, a lively, poppy sound signature, and an effortless typing experience, then the Dareu Mahjong linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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