Dareu Holly vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to compare the Dareu Holly and Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their key characteristics. The Holly switch stands out with its tactile feedback and medium 50g actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a linear typing experience with a distinctive green and white color scheme, producing a lively and poppy sound. While the Holly switch may appeal to users seeking a tactile experience, the Mahjong switch could attract those looking for a smoother and more polished typing feel. 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
50g
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
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Dareu Mahjong both feature unique housing materials that offer distinct advantages in terms of sound profile and durability. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those seeking a higher-pitched typing experience. Its translucency also makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers exceptional smoothness and durability, making it a top choice for those looking for a smooth, clacky typing experience. Despite their differences, both polycarbonate and POK top housings contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience, even though they deliver slightly different sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Holly and the Mahjong opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both keyboards absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds depth to the typing experience. While both keyboards share the same bottom housing material, it is important to note that the impact of the bottom housing's sound and feel can differ depending on the specific switch design and construction. Despite this, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two keyboards.
Overall, the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Mahjong showcase how different housing materials can impact the typing experience in unique ways. While the two keyboards may differ in their choice of top housing material, with the Holly using polycarbonate and the Mahjong opting for POK, they both share the same nylon bottom housing to create a consistent sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a smooth, clacky typing experience from POK, both keyboards offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Mahjong will come down to personal preferences in sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unavailable. This means that while the Holly switch may provide a slightly more significant push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Mahjong switch offers a lighter actuation force, which can be more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Holly provides a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong, offering a more traditional experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Holly. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Holly will give a slightly more pronounced key press compared to the Mahjong. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky elements, offering a unique and balanced typing experience that appeals to users looking for a distinctive sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a lively and poppy sound signature, delivering an effortless typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Holly switch does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished. The bouncy feel of the Mahjong switch gives a spring-like feedback sensation and lively keypresses, while the mild characteristics offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Mahjong switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, contributing to a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer different sound profiles, with the Holly providing a chirpy and clacky sound and the Mahjong offering a lively and poppy sound. Both switches have neutral sound profiles, making them versatile for various users. In terms of feel, the Mahjong switch stands out for its bouncy, mild, and polished characteristics, ensuring a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Whether you choose the Holly or Mahjong switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a unique sound signature with a mix of chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctive green and white color scheme, along with a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch could be more suitable. Remember to consider the sound profile and typing feel that aligns best with your preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer different characteristics to cater to a variety of user preferences.
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