TTC Gold Brown vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Mahjong, a linear switch. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced feel, featuring a slight and satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. It offers a softer sound profile compared to many switches while still providing a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their distinctive green and white color scheme and are known for their lively and poppy sound signature, providing an effortless typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
While both the TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Mahjong switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in terms of the material used for the bottom housing. The Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar experience in terms of sound profile and feel. However, the Mahjong's POK top housing provides an added smoothness and durability not found in the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of material composition, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant due to its stiffness. This is in contrast to the Mahjong's POK top housing, which offers a smoother, clacky sound profile that is also highly durable and shock-resistant. Although both switches have different top housing materials, the similarities in their nylon bottom housing ensure a consistent sound profile and typing experience between the two.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Mahjong switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound, while the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smoother, clacky sound with added durability. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a deep and full sound profile that is absorbed by the softer plastic material. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired sound and feel experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we can see some differences. The Gold Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams, making it heavier to press down initially. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams of force while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gold Brown might provide a firmer typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mahjong, while users who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Gold Brown for a more substantial typing feel. In terms of weight, the Mahjong is lighter in terms of actuation force, but since the bottom out force is unknown, it's hard to determine which switch is overall lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown. The Mahjong's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold Brown's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, both the TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Mahjong switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of uses whether you're a beginner or advanced user. The Gold Brown offers a softer sound profile with a slight bump, while the Mahjong provides a more lively and poppy sound signature. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other components such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown offers a mild and buttery typing experience with a balanced weightiness. Additionally, the switch is described as accented and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy and polished feel, offering a spring-like feedback with a gentle typing experience. Both switches fall within the mild to moderate tactile feedback category, making them approachable to most users.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Mahjong switches showcase distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Brown provides a balanced and slightly tactile typing experience with a softer sound profile, the Mahjong offers a more lively and bouncy feel with a poppy sound signature. Depending on personal preference, users can expect to enjoy a comfortable typing experience with either of these switches. If you enjoy a neutral sound profile and mild to moderate tactile feedback, you can achieve similar results with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate actuation force and a slight tactile bump, the Gold Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound signature and a bouncy feel, the Mahjong switch might be more up your alley. Consider your typing environment, typing habits, and desired sound and feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of strengths and characteristics, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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