Huano Grape Orange vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Grape Orange switch stands out with its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, allowing for effortless keystrokes that are especially beneficial during long typing sessions—ideal for writers or gamers looking for speed and comfort. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a unique aesthetic with its vibrant green and white color scheme and delivers a lively, poppy sound signature that many users find engaging. Both switches provide a similar linear feel that avoids tactile bumps for smooth keypresses, yet they cater to different preferences: the Grape Orange is perfect for those prioritizing a lightweight typing experience, while the Mahjong appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback during use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Dareu Mahjong switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, with sound absorption and a muted, rounded quality during operation. The choice of nylon as a classic housing material provides a consistency in tactile feedback, making both switches appealing for those who favor a softer bottom-out feel. Overall, the convergence in bottom housing materials reinforces the traditional engineering principles behind creating satisfying typing sounds in mechanical switches.
Conversely, the top housing materials diverge significantly, with the Grape Orange featuring polycarbonate and the Mahjong utilizing POK (polyketone). Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness lends the Grape Orange a crisper, sharper sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate the liveliness and clarity that bright tones can offer, especially in RGB-lit setups. In contrast, the POK material's smoother, clacky sound is attributed to its exceptional durability and slightly higher coefficient of friction. This fundamental difference could affect how users experience the top-out sound, with the Mahjong likely providing a different auditory signature compared to the sharper tones of the Grape Orange.
Ultimately, the combination of these contrasting top housing materials with the identical nylon bottom housing results in diverse sound profiles that will cater to various preferences. While users will find a consistent base in the sound and feel offered by the nylon bottom, the unique characteristics of the top housings allow for a richer array of experiences: sharper clarity from the polycarbonate versus smooth resonance from the POK. By blending these materials, both switches highlight the impact of their different housing choices, proving how a combination of materials can achieve tailored results for individual typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we observe notable distinctions in their actuation forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it a more suitable option for prolonged typing and gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which appeals to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison for that specific metric. The Grape Orange's bottom out force is 50 grams, reinforcing the perception of it as the lighter switch overall. Those seeking a more tactile and responsive experience might lean toward the heavier Mahjong switch, while users looking for comfort during extended use may prefer the Huano Grape Orange. Overall, the decisions hinge on personal preference regarding typing feel and weight, with the Grape Orange emerging as the lighter option while the Mahjong leans towards a heavier experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch exhibit notable differences in travel distance, with the Grape Orange featuring a distance of 3.6 mm while the Mahjong measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer option in terms of travel distance, providing a slightly more pronounced keypress that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Meanwhile, the Mahjong's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for depth versus responsiveness; if you favor a more traditional, hearty depth, the Grape Orange would be the ideal pick, whereas those who prioritize rapid actuation might lean towards the Mahjong.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch remains unspecified; however, it is essential to note that sound can vary significantly depending on factors such as the specific keyboard build and keycap choice. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch boasts a lively and poppy sound signature, making it a delightful option for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While both switches may provide different auditory experiences, the actual sound production can be influenced by the overall setup, including the type of keyboard and materials used for keycaps.
When it comes to the feel, the Grape Orange switch is known for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, achieving a low actuation force of just 40g. This characteristic enables extended typing sessions without hand fatigue, making it ideal for users who spend significant time on their keyboards. In contrast, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy feel with a spring-like feedback sensation, providing a lively typing experience. Coupled with its polished finish, the Mahjong also presents a smooth and refined keystroke, while the mild nature of its feedback caters well to users seeking a gentle yet responsive typing experience. These contrasting yet appealing aspects mean that while both switches aim to provide effortless typing, they deliver varied tactile sensations.
In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Dareu Mahjong switches offer unique experiences suited for different preferences. The Grape Orange excels in providing a light actuation force for comfortable extended use, whereas the Mahjong enchants users with its bouncy feedback and lively sound signature. Ultimately, if you favor an effortless typing experience, both switches can serve you well, though the specific tactile feedback and sound can differ, influencing your overall satisfaction with the switch chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a keyboard experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, particularly suited for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange—with its ultra-low 40g actuation force—would be an ideal choice. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams contributes to a comfortable, fatigue-free feel during extensive use. Conversely, if you prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switches could be the better option for you. Their unique bouncy feedback and mild yet polished characteristics provide an enjoyable balance of support and comfort, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. With a neutral sound profile, they also offer versatility whether you're working at home or in a more professional environment. In essence, choose the Grape Orange for a serene, lightweight touch and the Mahjong for a more vibrant, dynamic typing feel.
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