Neo Lavender HE vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two standout options in the market are the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Mahjong. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, making it a favorite for those seeking precision and a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong, with its eye-catching green and white color scheme, boasts a lively, poppy sound signature that provides an effortless typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a bouncy, engaging feel under their fingers. While the Lavender HE is ideal for a more subdued, meticulous setup, the Mahjong offers a dynamic and expressive alternative for those who prefer a more tactile interaction. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Mahjong offer notable differences in the materials used for their top housings, impacting their overall acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Mahjong employs POK material (polyketone), which, while offering smoother operation due to its lower coefficient of friction, contributes to brighter and more pronounced acoustics. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences, with the Lavender HE emphasizing a softer sound, while the Mahjong's design favors a clackier feedback.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Mahjong make use of nylon, aligning in their approach to sound production and impact feel. This shared choice means that both switches provide a more consistent and enjoyable tactile experience, as nylon's properties lend themselves to responsible sound absorption and deepening the bottom-out feel. Users looking for a similar auditory experience from both switches would find that the nylon bottom housing maintains a uniform feel, ensuring a dull yet pleasing acoustic characteristic. This similarity creates a foundation across both switches, promoting a rich typing experience despite the differences in their top housings.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Dareu Mahjong diverge—reflecting in their distinct sound profiles—their common use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a cohesive aspect of typing feel and sound. As a result, users can appreciate the strengths of each housing style: the smooth, clacky response of the Mahjong's POK top and the full-bodied, muted sound of the Lavender HE's nylon top. Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in both switches allows enthusiasts to select based on their personal preferences for auditory and tactile feedback while enjoying a familiar sound experience whenever the key bottoms out.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation force. The Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel, which can appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push sensation during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown, while the Lavender HE has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are functional, the Lavender HE offers a clear understanding of its actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Mahjong's lack of a specified bottom out force leaves some uncertainty. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Dareu Mahjong offers a heavier actuation feel for those who prefer more resistance.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference places the Lavender HE on the deeper side of the spectrum, providing a more pronounced keypress experience, which some users might find more satisfying and substantial. In contrast, the Mahjong switch, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that caters well to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Ultimately, if you prefer a hearty depth in your switch, the Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Mahjong would suit those who favor speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by its clean, low sound profile, which allows for a subdued yet satisfying auditory experience. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise may be a concern, such as an office or shared workspace. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch boasts a lively, poppy sound signature that injects energy into the typing experience. This more pronounced audio feedback can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more expressive sound while typing. Overall, while both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience, the Lavender HE provides a quieter and refined sound, whereas the Mahjong offers a more vibrant and engaging auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch presents an unknown quality, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the Dareu Mahjong switch is known for its bouncy, mild, and polished characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively essence to each keystroke. The smooth, polished finish enhances the typing experience, minimizing friction and allowing for a comfortable and efficient glide during use. For users who prioritize tactile feedback and comfort, the Mahjong's combination of bounciness and smoothness is appealing, while the Lavender HE's feel remains uncertain.
In conclusion, the Neo Lavender HE and Dareu Mahjong switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lavender HE excels in delivering a clean, low sound, making it suitable for quieter settings, while the Mahjong enriches the typing experience with its lively sound and bouncy feel. Users looking for a refined auditory experience may lean towards the Lavender HE, while those who enjoy a more engaging and feedback-rich typing experience might prefer the Mahjong. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in selecting the switch that best suits individual typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a lighter actuation force and are looking for a clean, low sound, the Lavender HE might be your best option, particularly if you appreciate the compatibility with Wooting keyboards and seek a refined tactile experience. This switch excels in quieter settings where the subtlety of your keystrokes can be appreciated. On the other hand, if you desire a more lively typing experience with a bouncy feel and a poppy sound signature, the Dareu Mahjong switch would likely suit you better. Its neutral and polished characteristics make it a versatile choice for a range of environments, whether at home or in a more dynamic workplace setting. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and the specific context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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