HMX KD200 vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX KD200 and the Dareu Mahjong can significantly impact your typing experience. The KD200, recognized as the clackiest switch in the HMX Film family, delivers a distinctive auditory feedback that many users find satisfying and engaging, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced sound while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their lively and poppy sound signature, as well as their visually striking green and white color scheme, which adds a touch of flair to any setup. Featuring a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switches are often praised for their comfort and ease of use. While both switches are linear and provide a great response for gamers and typists alike, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX KD200 and the Dareu Mahjong, distinct characteristics are evident in their top housings, which ultimately influence the user experience. The KD200 utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller due to nylon’s softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively. This contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it a classic choice for those who prefer a more subdued keystroke sound. In contrast, the Mahjong features a POK top housing. While POK is touted for its exceptional smoothness and durability, with a higher coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance, it yields a more clacky sound profile. This distinct acoustic difference may attract users who enjoy a crisper sound response when typing.
In examining the bottom housings, both the KD200 and Mahjong have elected to use nylon for this component. As a result, the two keyboards share a harmonious sound profile when it comes to bottoming out, akin to their top housings’ characteristics. This shared material aids in absorbing sound and delivering the same deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for. Consequently, while the top housing materials differ significantly between the two models, the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will have a consistent auditory experience when pressing down on the keys, regardless of the keyboard chosen.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the KD200 and Mahjong define their unique sound profiles, while their similar nylon bottom housings bring a unifying auditory quality to both. Those who lean towards a more muffled, rounded sound may prefer the KD200, while users looking for a sharper and crisper keystroke might gravitate towards the Mahjong. However, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing, performers will find consistency in bottoming out sound and tactile feedback across both models, thereby achieving a satisfying typing experience no matter which keyboard they favor.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide similar typing experiences in terms of the force needed to register a keystroke. However, the KD200 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to fully depress the key. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch remains unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare the typing experience in that regard. As a result, users seeking a lighter feel will appreciate the KD200, while those who prefer a heavier push feel might find the experience with the Mahjong switch to be less predictable due to the unknown bottom-out force. Overall, the KD200 offers a lighter typing experience, particularly in the context of prolonged use, while the Mahjong could appeal to those looking for a heavier switch, depending on its bottom-out characteristics.
Travel distance
The HMX KD200 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. This makes the KD200 the ideal choice for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke with a deeper feel, as 3.5 mm offers a more substantial depth compared to the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Mahjong switch. However, for gamers or those looking for quicker response times, the Mahjong switch’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing, allowing for faster actuation. Ultimately, if one prefers more pronounced feedback while typing, the KD200 would be the better option due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 HMX KD200 switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting a bright and pronounced auditory experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches are characterized by their lively, poppy sound signature. They produce a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for beginners and seasoned typists alike, whether used in quiet home office settings or busy work environments. While both switches can offer distinct auditory experiences, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the KD200 catering to those who prioritize a more resonant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KD200's characteristics are less defined in the provided information, making it challenging to gauge how it might compare directly to the Mahjong switches. The Mahjong switches, however, are noted for their bouncy feel, providing an elastic, spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Coupled with a mild profile and a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel, these switches offer an approachable and refined typing sensation that many users may find enjoyable. Without specific details about the feel of the KD200, it is difficult to determine how its tactile feedback matches up to the engaging attributes of the Mahjong.
In summary, both the HMX KD200 and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KD200 excels in producing a clackier sound, while the Mahjong provides a lively yet neutral auditory experience. Regarding the feel, the Mahjong switches feature a bouncy, mild, and polished touch, which may appeal to many users. However, the subjective quality of the KD200's feel remains less certain, leaving potential buyers to consider their own priorities in sound and tactile feedback when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that provides a pronounced auditory feedback and want to feel a satisfying clack with each keystroke, the KD200, known for its lively sound and light bottom-out force of 50 grams, may be the better option for you. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy an expressive typing experience, whether for work or gaming, and who don't mind a bit of noise. On the other hand, if you seek a more neutral sound profile combined with a bouncy and polished feel, the Mahjong switch might be your ideal pick. It promotes an effortless typing experience, thanks to its mild actuation characteristics and lively feedback. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, from home to office use, without overwhelming sound. Therefore, consider your typing style, the acoustics of your surrounding environment, and your aesthetic preferences when making your decision.
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