Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Dareu Mahjong stand out as distinctive options. The Jupiter Brown offers a tactile experience with a classic keystroke feel and medium-heavy weight, making it ideal for those who prefer a traditional typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong provides a unique linear switch with a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a poppy feel while typing. While the Jupiter Brown is known for its blend of tradition and innovation, the Mahjong stands out with its colorful design and smooth typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Standard
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
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and Dareu Mahjong both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Jupiter Brown boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. While both materials offer distinct qualities, the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Brown focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound, while the POK material of the Mahjong prioritizes smoothness and durability.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Dareu Mahjong rely on nylon for their construction. This classic switch housing material promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. Despite the shared bottom housing material, the differences in their top housings will still play a crucial role in the overall sound profile of each switch.
When comparing the overall design and construction of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that they both prioritize the quality of their housing materials to enhance the typing experience for users. While the Jupiter Brown focuses on creating a sharp and clear sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Mahjong aims for smoothness, durability, and clackiness with its POK top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to the preferences of different users, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Mahjong's lighter 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown also requires a heavier force of 70 grams, while the force required for the Mahjong is unknown. This means that the Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. On the other hand, the Mahjong's lighter actuation force may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preference, with the Jupiter Brown offering a heavier touch and the Mahjong providing a lighter feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mahjong switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and response of the keyboard. Gamers who prefer faster response times might lean towards the Mahjong switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more profound keypress experience may opt for the Jupiter Brown switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a lively and poppy sound signature, adding a bit of flair to your typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The switch also has a stepped tactile sensation, providing a more nuanced keystroke experience. Similarly, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and polished feel, giving keys a lively rebound and smooth typing experience. These qualities make both switches comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide a comfortable and reliable typing experience. Whether you prefer a classic tactile keystroke or a more unique linear switch sound, both options offer high precision molds and aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it's important to take into account your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more traditional keystroke feel and aesthetic appeal, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique color scheme, a lively typing experience, and bouncy feedback, the Mahjong switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your individual typing preferences and priorities in terms of feel and sound.
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