TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Dareu Mahjong stand out as two notable linear options. The Gold Red Pro offers a smooth and easy keypress, making it versatile for various typing preferences and environments. With a neutral sound profile, it caters to a wide range of users, whether for gaming, office work, or casual typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches from Dareu boast a unique green and white color scheme that adds a distinctive touch to any keyboard. Known for their lively sound and effortless typing experience, they are perfect for those looking for a bit of flair in their switch choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall performance. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with a stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Mahjong features a POK top housing known for its smoothness and durability, making for clacky and long-lasting switches. While both materials excel in different aspects, they both offer distinct advantages based on user preference and typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Red Pro and the Dareu Mahjong opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound profile. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housing, the nylon construction still brings a unique touch to each switch's overall sound and feel, impacting the typing experience in its own way.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Gold Red Pro and the Dareu Mahjong switches may be different, the qualities of each material complement each other to deliver an optimal typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a balance between sharpness and smoothness, creating a diverse sound profile that caters to various preferences. Whether it be the clearer and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Red Pro or the smooth and durable POK material in the Mahjong, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. However, it can be assumed that since the actuation force of the Gold Red Pro is lighter, it may also have a lighter bottom out force. When it comes to weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Red Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the Mahjong for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. If you are looking for a switch with a faster response time, the Mahjong may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and cushion, the Gold Red Pro with its longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Both switches offer benefits depending on personal preference, so choosing between the two will ultimately come down to what feels more comfortable and responsive to you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is neutral and pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a more neutral sound experience, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While both switches may differ slightly in sound characteristics, they both offer a pleasant typing experience that is not overly loud or distracting.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and refined feel with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and mild typing experience, along with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and effortless typing feel that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Dareu Mahjong linear switches both bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red Pro switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and subtle feel, the Mahjong switch provides a livelier sound signature with a bouncy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options offer a pleasant and versatile typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you value versatility and a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and a bouncy typing feel, the Mahjong switch could be the right choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences. Consider the factors of sound, feel, and overall user experience when making your selection.
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