Gateron Glory Red vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Mahjong both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their light actuation and smooth keystroke, making them an excellent choice for typists who value a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. They provide a satisfying travel distance that enhances productivity without feeling overly strenuous on the fingers. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their eye-catching green and white color scheme, complemented by a lively and poppy sound signature. These switches deliver an effortless typing experience, perfect for gamers and casual users alike who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback with their keystrokes. While both switches fall into the linear category, appealing to those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience, each offers distinct characteristics that might sway your choice. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Mahjong switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Gateron Glory Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that enhance the absorption of sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory feedback. This material contributes to a more muted and rounder sound when typing, creating a warmer overall acoustic atmosphere. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong employs POK material for its top housing, which is recognized for its durability and smoothness. The POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction allows for a different tactile experience, providing a smooth and clacky feedback that many enthusiasts find appealing. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles stemming from their choice of materials, the nylon of the Glory Red tends to soften the sound, whereas the POK of the Mahjong sharpens it.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in the material used for their bottom housings—nylon. This use of nylon in both the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Mahjong results in a consistent acoustic signature for the bottom-out sound and feel, as both switches deliver a deeper and fuller audio response from this component. Since the bottom housing is crucial for the overall feel when bottoming out, this similarity ensures that users will experience a familiar softness that enhances the tactile performance of either switch. Thus, while the top housings diverge in material and sound output, the uniformity in the bottom housings bridges a connection between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback and auditory resonance.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials yield notable contrasts in sound profiles while the commonality in the nylon bottom housing serves to unify the switches in certain acoustic qualities. Users may find that while the Gateron Glory Red presents a softer and more subdued typing experience overall, the Dareu Mahjong offers a sharper and more dynamic auditory feedback through its POK top housing. Yet both switches deliver a satisfying bottom-out experience, rooted in the shared characteristics of nylon that contribute to a rich and engulfing sound profile. Consequently, those who appreciate tactile switches will find value in both options depending on their preferences for sound and feel, whether they lean towards the warmer tones of the Glory Red or the more vibrant feedback of the Mahjong.
Weight
Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch have an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that users can expect a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming, particularly regarding the effort needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is listed as unavailable, meaning we cannot compare how firmly each switch must be pressed down to reach the base. Given their equal actuation forces, both switches can be considered relatively light, making them ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. Therefore, neither switch is definitively heavier or lighter, as they share the same actuation force. However, the absence of bottom out force data indicates a potential variability in their overall feel during intense usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we can see distinct differences. The Gateron Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel during gameplay, the Mahjong switch might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which typically allows for faster key actuation. Conversely, if you favor a deeper and more pronounced typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red with its longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red offers a more substantial depth, while the Dareu Mahjong presents a quicker response, catering to different user preferences in the realm of keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Glory Red switch tends to have a softer and more subdued auditory profile compared to other switches, contributing to a more tranquil typing experience. This makes it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch boasts a lively, poppy sound signature that is distinctive and engaging. This energetic audio quality is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response while typing. Ultimately, while both switches offer viable sound experiences, the Glory Red is more muted, making it less intrusive than the Mahjong, which brings vibrancy to each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smooth and linear keystroke, making it a versatile choice for different typing styles and preferences. This effortless key travel helps provide a consistent experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch presents a bouncy and mildly polished feel, offering an elastic feedback sensation that can enhance engagement while typing. The bounciness provides a sense of playfulness during use, while the polished finish ensures a smooth interaction. With the Mahjong, typists can expect a gentle yet lively experience, making it approachable for those new to mechanical keyboards.
Combining the information on both switches, the Gateron Glory Red stands out for its soft sound and smooth linear feel, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, consistent typing experience. Meanwhile, the Dareu Mahjong switch's lively audio and bouncy, polished touch cater to those who thrive on more dynamic interactions while they type. Ultimately, both switches serve different preferences; if you favor a quieter and smoother experience, the Glory Red may be your best bet, while those looking for a more lively and tactile feel might want to go with the Mahjong. Regardless of choice, both will provide a satisfying typing experience, elevating your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches, consider your preferences for feel and sound during your typing experience. If you lean towards a smoother keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red will serve you well, especially if you prefer a switch that provides an easy and enjoyable typing experience without any harshness. This switch is perfect for anyone that values comfort during long typing sessions, whether for gaming or professional use. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a more lively typing experience with a unique sound signature, the Dareu Mahjong is your go-to option. Its bouncy feel and mild characteristics cater to those who appreciate a poppy auditory feedback and a slightly more responsive typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and the overall typing experience you wish to achieve as you navigate your mechanical keyboard journey.
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