TTC Gold Red vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it is evident that they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, providing a subtle and polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Mahjong stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. While the Gold Red exudes a more neutral and silky feel, the Mahjong brings a bouncier and polished vibe to the table. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Dareu Mahjong, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is appreciated for the tactile feedback it provides during typing. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Gold Red and the Mahjong differ significantly. The Gold Red uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness, clackiness, and durability. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, POK offers a strong and wear-resistant housing that surpasses the shock resistance of Nylon and POM. These distinct characteristics highlight the uniqueness of each switch's top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Gold Red and the Dareu Mahjong plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smooth, clacky, and durable experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a smoother typing experience, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The Gold Red switch offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who need to type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch may provide a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required to press the keys.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Gold Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times and might be preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being slightly longer and the Mahjong being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich typing experience that is satisfying to the user. The sound produced is neutral, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in a workspace. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and a versatile sound suitable for different user needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Gold Red having a slightly deeper tone compared to the Mahjong.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, with a subtle resistance that is gentle yet maintains a light typing feel. The polished finish of these switches enhances the smoothness of the typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek key travel. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a bouncy and mild typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives users a lively feel when typing. Like the Gold Red, the Mahjong switch also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a refined typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red provides a deeper and richer sound profile with a silky typing experience, the Mahjong offers a more lively sound with a bouncy feel when typing. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and smooth typing experience from both switches, with the choice between them depending on personal preferences for sound and feel. If one enjoys a deeper sound and a gentle feel, the Gold Red may be the preferred option, while those seeking a livelier sound and bouncy feel may lean towards the Dareu Mahjong.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider their key characteristics. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique switch with a lively and poppy sound signature, the Mahjong switch could be the way to go. Keep in mind that the Mahjong switch's bottom out force is unknown, so factor in your preference for typing resistance when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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