Durock Dolphin vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Mahjong linear mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Durock Dolphin is favored for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a precise and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature. While the Dolphin offers a polished, muted, and low-pitched feel, the Mahjong provides a bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished experience. Both switches have their own strengths, but 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Mahjong share some similarities in terms of their top housing materials. Both switches feature top housings made of durable materials that contribute to a smooth typing experience. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a crisp typing sound. Similarly, the Mahjong's POK top housing provides a smooth and clacky typing experience, with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While they may differ slightly in terms of sound profile, both housing materials offer a high-quality typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Mahjong both use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent feel and sound when typing on either switch, offering a familiar and comfortable typing experience for those who enjoy the unique characteristics of nylon housing.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Mahjong feature different top housing materials, they both share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a consistent sound and feel when typing on either switch, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharp sound of polycarbonate or the smooth feel of POK, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unknown, while the Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Dolphin in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams, which is medium, while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unavailable. This suggests that the Dolphin may provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force, whereas the Mahjong might be preferred by those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Overall, the Dolphin is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Mahjong is lighter in terms of actuation force, providing users with different options based on their preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Dolphin switch offers a bit more depth compared to the Mahjong switch, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. In terms of travel distance, the Mahjong switch is the shorter option, while the Dolphin switch offers a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched experience, providing a softer and quieter typing sound with a deep, bass-heavy tone. This makes them a great choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and settings. While the Dolphin switch provides a toned-down and subtle typing experience, the Mahjong switch offers a more moderate and versatile sound output.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined key press that reduces friction and ensures a sleek typing experience. The Mahjong switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy and mild, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are mentioned to have a polished finish, contributing to smooth key travel and an overall pleasant feel while typing.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch stands out for its silent operation and medium-heavy actuation force, making it a precise and satisfying option for those who prefer a switch with some resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a unique green and white color scheme, along with a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience. While they differ slightly in sound and feel qualities, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience and would be suitable choices for various users depending on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force for a precise and satisfying typing experience, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be a great choice, especially for office environments or anywhere noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique color scheme, a lively sound signature, and a bouncy, mild typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
