Keygeek Keylin vs. Dareu Mahjong

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinctive yet enticing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Keylin, utilizing newly designed molds, is celebrated for its premium typing feel, characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quiet, responsive keypress in a streamlined design. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its vibrant green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature that adds a playful element to typing. This switch offers not only a smooth typing experience but also a bouncy and mildly enjoyable feedback for users who appreciate a little extra character in their keystrokes. While both switches excel in providing a linear feel, they cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Mahjong, one of the primary distinctions lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, which is widely recognized for its softer texture that significantly absorbs sound, leading to a fuller and deeper auditory experience when typing. This absorption characteristic makes the nylon housing particularly effective at producing a rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Mahjong employs a top housing made of POK (polyketone), which is renowned for its sleekness and smooth feel, characterized by a low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. While the POK material contributes to a brighter and clacking sound profile, the underlying traits common to both nylon and POK suggest that despite their differences, both types can yield enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual preferences.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which establishes a point of similarity between the two. This commonality means that no matter which switch one chooses, the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel will share those deeper, rounder acoustic properties synonymous with nylon. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both the Keylin and Mahjong means users can expect a consistent auditory experience when a key is fully pressed down, as both materials facilitate sound absorption similarly. As a result, even though the top housings evoke different sound articulations and textural sensations, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the fundamental typing feel retains a comparable essence across both switches.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings in conjunction with the shared nylon bottom housing create a unique juxtaposition in the overall performance of the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Mahjong. The Keylin's softer nylon offers a warmer sound profile while the Mahjong’s POK enhances the smoothness and responsiveness of the actuation. This design separation means that a user’s experience can truly vary based on the choice between a more subdued and rounded auditory profile of the nylon in the Keylin versus the sharper, crisper tones expected from the POK housing of the Mahjong. With both switches leveraging nylon at the bottom, users can savor the richness of that material while still indulging in the distinct characteristics that each top housing brings to the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Keylin stands out as the lighter option, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the Mahjong requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a firmer push but lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to determine how it feels when fully pressed down. This difference in actuation forces suggests that typists or gamers who prefer a more gentle touch may favor the Keylin for its lighter feel, facilitating longer typing sessions without fatigue. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more robust typing experience might lean towards the Mahjong, as the increased actuation force provides a stronger engagement. However, without the bottom out force for the Mahjong, it's harder to fully evaluate its tactile feedback during heavy use, whereas the Keylin offers a clear and consistent pressure resistance throughout its range.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong has a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Keylin the superior choice for those who favor a deeper feel in their keystrokes, offering a more substantial depth that can enhance tactile feedback. In contrast, the Mahjong, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and more rapid key presses for fast-paced activities. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances—0.2 mm—means that while both switches provide linear feel, the Keylin is designed for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth, whereas the Mahjong caters to users looking for more responsiveness in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers a rich acoustic profile that adds a premium auditory experience to typing. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch possesses a lively, poppy sound signature, creating an engaging auditory feedback as you type. While both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, the Keylin's depth and richness could appeal to those seeking a more pronounced acoustic feedback, while the Mahjong's lively tone might resonate better with users looking for a brighter sound profile. However, both switches' sound characteristics may also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making the overall experience variable.

In terms of feel, the Keylin's exceptional smoothness is a hallmark that offers a seamless typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Mahjong switch boasts a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like, elastic feedback that gives a satisfying rebound upon activation. With the added descriptors of being mild and polished, the Mahjong delivers a gentle and refined experience that balances between the lively bounce and a smooth finish. While the specific feel of the Keylin isn't detailed, it is clear that both switches cater to different preferences: the Keylin focuses on smoothness and comfort, while the Mahjong emphasizes liveliness and a playful typing sensation.

In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Keylin presents a rich auditory profile with a focus on smoothness, while the Mahjong ensures a lively sound coupled with a bouncy and polished tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, both switches can provide satisfying results; thus, users may choose based on whether they prioritize sound depth or a spirited typing interaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of typing feel and sound experience. If you prefer a light actuation with a smooth and premium typing experience, the Keylin is your best choice. Its design utilizes new molds to deliver rich acoustics that many users find enjoyable for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lively, bouncy feel and a neutral sound signature that works well in various environments—whether at home or in an office—the Mahjong switch is a great option. Its unique color scheme and polished finish may also appeal to those who appreciate aesthetics and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you lean towards a more refined, quiet typing experience with the Keylin or a vibrant, engaging feel with the Mahjong.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more