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Zuoce Lavender vs. Dareu Mahjong

An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, and provides a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. The Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', while the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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

48g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

Z1 (Ly blend)

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

POK

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

21mm double-staged spring

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Mahjong utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Lavender features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side and relatively muted. In contrast, the Mahjong uses a POK top housing, which provides a smooth and clacky sound while offering exceptional durability. Additionally, the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition.

While both the Lavender and Mahjong offer unique sound profiles, the materials used in their housing construction contribute to distinct characteristics. The POM housing in the Lavender creates a more muted sound compared to the clacky sound produced by the POK material in the Mahjong. Additionally, the durability of the POK material far surpasses that of the POM, making the Mahjong a reliable option for long-term use. The nylon bottom housing in the Mahjong also adds to the overall typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Lavender.

Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and the Dareu Mahjong offer a high-quality typing experience. While the Lavender emphasizes a unique sound profile with its POM housing, the Mahjong focuses on smoothness, clackiness, and durability with its POK and nylon housing combination. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as the importance of durability in the long run. Whether you prefer a more muted sound with the Lavender or a clacky and smooth typing experience with the Mahjong, both switches provide excellent options for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch have distinct differences. The Lavender has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams compared to the Mahjong's unknown force, making the Lavender heavier in this aspect as well. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mahjong, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Lavender. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective force requirements, catering to a variety of preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch are both 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches provide a consistent feel when pressed down on a key. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Lavender or the Mahjong switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. It's worth noting that the travel distance is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can impact the typing experience and overall comfort. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience for the user.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.

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

When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments without being overly loud or distracting. Both switches will deliver a satisfying auditory experience, although the Lavender may be preferred by those who enjoy a crisper and more pronounced keystroke sound.

In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. Additionally, the Mahjong switch is noted for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. While the Lavender switch emphasizes ease of typing, the Mahjong switch focuses on delivering a more dynamic and responsive typing feel.

Overall, the Zuoce Lavender and Dareu Mahjong linear switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender switch excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound signature combined with an easy-to-press typing experience, ideal for those seeking a smooth and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch stands out with its lively and bouncy sound and feel, offering a more dynamic and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance despite their differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique color scheme, a lively, poppy sound, and a bouncy, mild, and polished typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be more up your alley. Consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as the bottom out force of each switch, to make an informed decision that best suits your individual needs and desires. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and characteristics, providing a satisfying typing experience in their own right.

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