HMX Deep Navy vs. Dareu Mahjong

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type is pivotal in shaping your typing experience, and two noteworthy linear switches are the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Mahjong. The Deep Navy switches stand out for their full nylon construction, delivering a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances immersion while you type. With a silky smoothness attributed to the Ly stem, they provide a balanced experience appealing to gamers and typists alike. In contrast, Dareu's Mahjong switches offer a lively and poppy sound signature, complemented by their distinctive green and white color scheme, which adds a vibrant aesthetic to any setup. Known for their bouncy, mild, yet polished feel, the Mahjong switches create an effortless typing experience that makes them particularly appealing for long typing sessions or casual use. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Dareu Mahjong, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon not only contributes to this sound but also helps in sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Mahjong features POK material for its top housing, which, while not as soft as nylon, is recognized for its smoothness and durability. With a lower coefficient of friction compared to nylon, the POK material offers an entirely different typing sensation, characterized by a smoother and clackier output. This fundamental difference in material properties suggests that users may enjoy distinct sound profiles and typing experiences with each switch.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and Mahjong employ nylon, resulting in similarities in how they affect the typing experience. As nylon typically fosters a fuller sound, it enhances the bottom-out feel across both switch types due to its sound-absorbing qualities. The inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing means that regardless of the top housing material, both switches will elicit that signature duller and rounder acoustic profile when bottoming out. This shared use of nylon represents a point of commonality between the two switches, enabling similar sound characteristics in their bottom-out response, even in the presence of differing top materials.

When assessing the overall performance and acoustic characteristics of these switches, it's important to recognize how the interaction between the two housing materials contributes to the user experience. While the Deep Navy’s nylon top offers a sound that is immersive and deep, the Mahjong’s POK top provides a contrasting smoothness and durability that yields a distinct clackiness. However, since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, they ultimately produce a similar acoustic signature during the bottoming-out phase. This duality in materials positions both the Deep Navy and Mahjong as unique options, each with its own set of advantages while still delivering a consistent and satisfying experience in terms of bottom-out feel and sound profile.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing option for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which could provide a more substantial feel for users who favor a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong remains unknown, leaving an incomplete picture for those considering its overall typing experience. For individuals seeking a lighter option for extended use, the Deep Navy remains the preferable choice, while the Mahjong may attract those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their switches, despite its undisclosed bottom out force. Thus, the switches cater to different preferences, with the Deep Navy being the lighter option and the Mahjong potentially offering a heavier experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Mahjong may be the better choice, as its shorter distance can provide quicker actuation, appealing particularly to gamers. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress may find the Deep Navy more satisfying with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp tonal quality, thanks to its full nylon construction, which contributes to a resonant and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This contrasts with the Dareu Mahjong switch, which delivers a more neutral sound signature. The Mahjong's moderate actuation force and balanced sound make it a versatile choice suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While the Deep Navy offers a more pronounced auditory flair, the Mahjong provides a steadier and more adaptable sound, accommodating a wider range of preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch boasts a silky smoothness with every keystroke, enabling a fluid typing experience that promotes efficiency and comfort. In comparison, the Dareu Mahjong switches provide a bouncy and lively feedback that gives users a sense of rebound as they type. The feel of the Mahjong switches is described as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle yet responsive experience that appeals to a broad audience. While the Deep Navy excels in creating a smooth tactile sensation, the Mahjong's bounciness and polished finish offer an engaging typing experience that emphasizes liveliness.

In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Dareu Mahjong linear switches cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Deep Navy’s rich and sharp sound profile provides a distinct auditory signature, while the Mahjong's neutral sound is more versatile for various use scenarios. In terms of tactile experience, the Deep Navy focuses on smoothness, while the Mahjong stands out with its bouncy and polished characteristics. Ultimately, users can select either switch based on their sound preferences and desired typing sensations, knowing that each will offer a unique yet fulfilling experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a rich and sharp auditory experience along with silky smooth keystrokes, the Deep Navy might be the right fit for you—especially if you enjoy the feeling of a well-crafted, full nylon switch that exudes quality. This switch excels in a setting where sound can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for creative tasks or when you want to be fully immersed in your work. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a lively, bouncy feel with a more neutral sound profile, then the Mahjong switch is worth considering. Its playful feedback and moderate characteristics make it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists, making it suitable for various workspaces where versatility is key. Whether you choose the Deep Navy for its luxurious feel and sound or the Mahjong for its lively and flexible nature, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different typing styles and experiences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more