Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Yellow is best known for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a smooth and clacky feel, this switch is favored by those seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal. Known for its lively and poppy sound signature, as well as an effortless typing experience, this switch is a favorite among users looking for a bouncy and polished 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Dareu Mahjong, we can see that both switches utilize proprietary blends for their top housing. The INK blend of the Ink Yellow is known for its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the POK material used in the Mahjong's top housing offers smooth, clacky, and durable switches with exceptional strength and wear resistance. While both materials contribute to a satisfying sound profile, the POK material has additional benefits in terms of durability and shock resistance compared to the INK blend.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the Gateron Ink Yellow features the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, emphasizing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong utilizes a nylon bottom housing that gives off a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and thinner sound produced by the INK blend of the Ink Yellow. While both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound of the switch, they offer different characteristics that suit varying preferences in sound profiles.
In considering how the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Dareu Mahjong offer different experiences. The top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound profile, their choice of housing materials allows for distinct characteristics in sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Ink Yellow is the heavier of the two. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Mahjong may offer a lighter touch when typing, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The differences in weight make the Ink Yellow better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Mahjong is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The Ink Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and desired key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The switch also provides a clacky sound when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch also features a neutral sound profile, but with a livelier and poppier sound signature that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and a gentle feedback sensation. This makes it approachable to most users and provides a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively feel to the keys. Additionally, the Mahjong switch also features a mild and polished feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for an enjoyable typing experience. Again, the choice between these switches in terms of feel will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
To conclude, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow switch provides a clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, while the Mahjong switch offers a livelier sound signature and a bouncy, polished feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound or a more poppy sound, as well as a gentler or bouncier typing experience, you can choose between these two switches to customize your mechanical keyboard to your liking. Overall, both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience for different preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel distance, opt for the Gateron Ink Yellow. This switch is ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, offering a smooth and clacky feel. On the other hand, if you are intrigued by the unique green and white color scheme of the Dareu Mahjong switch and enjoy a lively, poppy sound signature while typing, this may be the switch for you. Additionally, if you appreciate switches with a bouncy, elastic feedback sensation and a polished, refined finish, the Mahjong switch could be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and typing style to ensure the best mechanical keyboard experience for you.
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