TTC Ice vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Dareu Mahjong both offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Ice switch stands out with its crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth, responsive feel paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a premium experience. In contrast, the Mahjong switches, featuring a vibrant green and white color scheme, provide a lively and poppy sound signature, coupled with an effortless typing experience that users might find appealing for extended periods of use. While the Ice is recognized for its minimalist elegance and performance, the Mahjong adds a splash of personality and playfulness to the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches present their unique advantages, appealing to different user preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Dareu Mahjong utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinctions in their acoustic profiles. The Ice employs polycarbonate, noted for enhancing the clarity and resonance of sound due to its rigid structure. This material renders a sharper and higher-pitched sound, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong uses POK, or polyketone, which also offers a smooth and durable construction but emphasizes a clackier sound. While both materials contribute positively to the overall switch experience, the Ice's polycarbonate is geared towards those who want brightness in their sound, while the Mahjong's POK caters to users who favor smoothness alongside resonance.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ice continues with the polycarbonate material, reinforcing its bright and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Mahjong opts for nylon, a material historically recognized for producing a deeper, fuller typing sound. Nylon is known to absorb more sound vibrations compared to its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory output. This variance means that while the Ice's bottom housing reinforces its already sharp sound profile, the Mahjong's nylon housing adds depth and warmth, creating a contrast in the overall sonic experience of each switch.
When using switches with differing top and bottom housings, the dynamic interplay of materials plays a crucial role in the acoustic experience. For example, pressing the Ice switch will predominantly reflect the crisp and clear qualities of the polycarbonate bottom, while the Mahjong switch will showcase a fuller, sound due to its nylon construction. Both designs effectively exemplify how material science impacts keyboard feel and sound, with distinct results; the Ice's sharper clarity complementing RGB lighting aesthetics, and the Mahjong's richer tones catering to players seeking a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the chosen materials in both switches distinctly influence the sound profile, yet both can offer enjoyable typing experiences through their respective characteristics.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in this regard, which is beneficial for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the TTC Ice has a specified bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, while both switches offer the same light actuation feel, the TTC Ice is the heavier option at the bottom out stage, which may be more appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ice switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the TTC Ice is the longer of the two options, providing a deeper keypress that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong's shorter travel distance can offer quicker response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: longer travel distances tend to feel more traditional and sturdy, while shorter ones may feel more abrupt but enable faster key activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound, enhancing its appeal for a premium typing experience. It strikes a balance that’s ideal for a variety of environments, making it suitable for both gaming and daily tasks. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a lively and poppy sound signature that can bring an element of fun and engagement to typing sessions. While both switches provide distinct audio experiences, the Ice is more subdued and refined, whereas the Mahjong is more energetic and accentuated. Keep in mind that actual sound can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth and responsive feedback, facilitating a comfortable typing experience that many users appreciate. Meanwhile, the Dareu Mahjong offers a unique combination of characteristics: a bouncy sensation that gives a rebound when pressed, a mild typing experience that is approachable for all users, and a polished feel that reduces friction for a sleek key travel. This multifaceted feel enhances enjoyment while typing or gaming, making the Mahjong a versatile choice for various tasks. Overall, while the Ice is designed for a more straightforward smoothness, the Mahjong brings a wealth of engaging tactile qualities to each keystroke.
In summary, both the TTC Ice and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer distinct experiences but cater to slightly different preferences. The Ice excels in providing a sleek, smooth, and moderately quiet typing experience, making it versatile for both work and play. In contrast, the Mahjong stands out with its lively and bouncy feedback, resulting in a more dynamic typing experience that is engaging and fun. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a polished smoothness or a more vibrant and elastic feel while typing. Both will deliver satisfactory results, albeit in different manners.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you're looking for a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying sound that suits both gaming and everyday typing, the Ice switch is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced typing experience that many users find comfortable, especially if you appreciate a tactile feedback sensation in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and bouncy typing experience coupled with a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Mahjong switch could be ideal for you. Its distinctive design and effortless feel make it engaging for those who enjoy a bit of elastically-driven feedback while typing. Ultimately, if aesthetics and a vibrant auditory experience are high on your criteria, the Mahjong may stand out, whereas the Ice is preferable for those who favor a polished and smooth execution. Your choice will reflect your specific needs, whether for gaming, daily use, or pure enjoyment in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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