KTT Kang White vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and Dareu Mahjong both stand out for their unique qualities. The Kang White is a linear switch that boasts a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Mahjong, also a linear switch, features a distinctive green and white color scheme that sets it apart visually. Its lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience make it a standout choice for many. While the Kang White is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Mahjong is described as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. These general characteristics provide a brief overview of what each switch has to offer, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you determine the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and Dareu Mahjong both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Kang White features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Mahjong also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing for similar sound characteristics. This makes both switches suitable for those looking for a switch with a more absorbent sound profile.
In terms of durability, the Dareu Mahjong's POK top housing stands out with exceptional strength and wear resistance. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, the POK material contributes to smooth and clacky switches. In comparison, the Kang White's polycarbonate top housing may not offer the same level of durability as the POK material but provides a clear and resonant sound profile. As for the nylon bottom housing, both switches benefit from its softer plastic composition, creating a deeper and fuller sound. This shows the differences in material choice between the two switches and how they affect both sound and durability.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it's essential to note that the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of a switch. The qualities of the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Kang White and Mahjong may share similarities in their choice of housing materials, the distribution of these materials in the switches will result in varying experiences for users in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Kang White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Kang White is heavier compared to the Mahjong switch. The actuation force of 45 grams is ideal for those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, while the Kang White's heavier bottom out force of 58 grams provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Kang White has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Kang White being on the longer side and the Mahjong being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific use case.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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 KTT Kang White switch offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch also falls under the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile with a lively and poppy signature. Both switches may provide similar results in terms of sound, depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kang White switch does not have specific descriptors provided, making it somewhat unknown in this aspect. However, the Dareu Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished. This means that the Mahjong switch offers a spring-like feedback sensation, a gentle typing experience, and a smooth key travel, resulting in a comfortable and refined typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Kang White linear switch is praised for its dazzling sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles, and while the feel of the Kang White switch remains somewhat unknown, the Mahjong switch provides a bouncy, mild, and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing feel, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect to enjoy a satisfying and tactile experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you value a medium bottom out force, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a smooth typing experience, the Kang White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a distinctive color scheme, a bouncy and polished feel, and a neutral sound profile, then the Mahjong switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider the unique features and characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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