HMX Jelly vs. Dareu Mahjong

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Dareu Mahjong both offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Jelly switches, renowned for their low-pitched, thocky sound, provide a super smooth feel thanks to exceptional factory lube and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes them an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet yet tactile experience that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, accompanied by a lively, poppy sound that adds character to every keystroke. With a design categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', these switches promise a more responsive typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a bit more feedback as they type. Both switches present compelling features depending on your typing style, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Dareu Mahjong, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The HMX Jelly utilizes nylon, a classic switch material renowned for its sound-dampening qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, achieved largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smooth gliding characteristics and enhanced durability. With a lower coefficient of friction than PU, this material offers a distinctly clackier sound experience, emphasizing the sharper, more pronounced feedback during typist interactions. Thus, while both switches aim to enhance user experience, they do so through their unique sound profiles and tactile responses that stem from the distinct properties of their top housing materials.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Jelly and Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon, which harmonizes the auditory and tactile experiences of both switches. With nylon’s ability to absorb sound, typing on either switch elicits a similar deeper sound profile, creating a cohesive bottom-out feel that is characteristic of switch designs employing this material. This similarity indicates how both switches can produce satisfying auditory feedback when pressed, despite their differing top housings. The nylon in the bottom housing ensures that even if one switch offers a sharper top profile while the other delivers a duller sound, the overall experience when bottoming out remains surprisingly consistent.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly and Dareu Mahjong differ significantly in their top housing materials—with nylon providing softer, fuller sounds and POK offering a more durable and smooth typing experience—they share a common ground in their bottom housing composition. The use of nylon in both models ensures that users obtain a similar bottom-out feel and sound, tying together the strengths of each switch. Ultimately, the combination of these differing materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch, allowing users to enjoy both sound depth and durability in their preferred choice.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, with the Jelly being lighter. Specifically, the Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mahjong requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force is unknown. This lighter actuation force of the Jelly makes it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mahjong offers a stronger push feel, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Jelly promotes ease and comfort for longer periods, the Mahjong introduces a heavier force, suggesting a more tactile feedback. If the bottom out force for the Mahjong were known, a more comprehensive comparison could be established.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Jelly switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mahjong switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you choose the Jelly switch, you will experience a slightly deeper press compared to the more responsive feel of the Mahjong switch. For gamers who favor rapid key presses and quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more tactile sensation and a fuller depth when pressing keys might lean towards the Jelly switch. Overall, the Jelly is the longer option, while the Mahjong is the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch has a unique appeal characterized by its deep, thocky tone. This low-pitched sound is often favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch presents a lively and poppy sound signature, which is distinctively brighter. The contrast between the two reveals a preference for either a quieter, deeper sound or a more energetic, punchy auditory experience. It’s worth noting that the overall sound produced by either switch can still be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can either enhance or dampen their inherent sound qualities.

In terms of feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness, making every key press effortless, while also offering a lightweight actuation force of 42g. This smoothness is attributed to its high-quality factory lube, which ensures reduced friction during keystrokes. Conversely, the Mahjong switch provides a bouncy experience, offering a spring-like feedback that adds a sense of liveliness to each key press. It boasts a mild and polished feel, striking a balance between comfort and an engaging typing sensation. The combination of these characteristics results in a more elastic and approachable feel, accommodating a wide range of user preferences and typing styles.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Jelly and Dareu Mahjong linear switches present unique properties, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jelly offers a deeper, thocky sound with an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Mahjong features a lively, poppy sound coupled with a bouncy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether one prioritizes the thocky resonance of the Jelly or the dynamic, engaging feel of the Mahjong, as both switches promise satisfying results based on their distinctive qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you value a lightweight switch that provides a notably deep and thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly might be the optimal option for you. Its 42g actuation force allows for easy keystrokes without much effort, making it ideal for long typing sessions or a more relaxed gaming experience. In contrast, if you prefer a more lively typing experience with a bouncy feel and a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Mahjong could be your go-to switch. It offers a polished and mild characteristic that caters well to both beginners and more experienced users, providing a balanced performance whether you're working from home or in an office setting. Overall, consider your preferences for sound, feel, and the potential use cases to determine which switch best fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more