Outemu Crystal vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Crystal switches offer a unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature as well as an effortless typing experience. While the Crystals are categorized as 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', the Mahjong switches are labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished'. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Mahjong, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Mahjong utilizes a POK top housing, which offers smooth, clacky, and durable switches thanks to its high coefficient of friction and exceptional strength. While both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, the polycarbonate in the Crystal may offer a higher-pitched sound compared to the Mahjong's POK material.
Another point of comparison is in the bottom housing material of the two switches. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile is due to the softer nature of nylon compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. Both materials excel in their own way, with polycarbonate offering clarity and sharpness, and nylon providing depth and richness to the switch's sound.
When considering how the top and bottom housings of a switch interact, it becomes clear that they play distinct roles in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of each housing material will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. While the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Mahjong may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches are designed to provide a unique typing experience with their specific housing materials' characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, one can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Crystal switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Mahjong. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal switch may be the better option as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Mahjong switch due to its potentially lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Crystal switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more tactile and deliberate typing experience compared to the shorter distance of the Mahjong switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Mahjong switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press might opt for the Crystal switch. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Crystal switch offering a longer travel distance and the Mahjong switch providing a shorter, more rapid key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, making typing on these switches quite distinctive and possibly more noticeable in a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, allowing for a versatile and unobtrusive typing experience that could be suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile you desire for your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Crystal and Dareu Mahjong linear switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Crystal switch is noted for its medium-light weight and elastic feel, while the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and mild sensation with spring-like feedback. Both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for extended periods of use without causing fatigue.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a chirpy, high-pitched sound with a medium-light weight feel, or a neutral sound profile with a bouncy and mild typing sensation, both switches provide a polished and refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, you'll want to think about your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, then the Outemu Crystal switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a distinctive color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience, then the Dareu Mahjong switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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