Durock Light Tactile vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock light tactile and the Dareu Mahjong. The light tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth typing experience with a unique jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a distinctive aesthetic with its green and white color scheme, along with a lively and poppy sound signature. While the light tactile switch is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Mahjong switch falls under bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. This material is especially useful for switches that feature RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the Mahjong utilizes a POK top housing, which offers smoothness and durability. The POK material has impressive wear resistance and shock resistance, making it a top choice for those looking for a clacky and durable switch.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Light Tactile and the Mahjong feature nylon materials. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While both switches share this common material for their bottom housings, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is important to consider. The qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing will contribute to the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Overall, while both the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong feature different top housing materials, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This results in differences in sound profiles and typing experiences, as the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the smooth, clacky sound of POK, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile switch is heavier in both aspects. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The weight of a switch can impact typing comfort and performance, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Light Tactile switch would be better suited for those who prefer a heavier feel, while the Mahjong switch offers a lighter actuation force for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong switches, it is evident that the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Mahjong's 3.4 mm. The Light Tactile offers slightly more depth in keypress feel, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong's shorter travel distance may cater to those looking for quick responsiveness, such as gamers seeking faster reactions during gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and speed of response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and angelic tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a lively and poppy sound signature, with an effortless typing experience. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you are using them at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Light Tactile switch is noted for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mahjong switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively feel. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Light Tactile and Dareu Mahjong switches have different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a pleasant and approachable typing experience with their unique qualities. Whether you prefer a gentler tactility and jelly-like sound or a bouncy feel and poppy sound, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience suitable for a variety of users and settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Mahjong switches, consider the following guidelines. You may want to choose the Durock Light Tactile if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch might be more suitable if you are looking for a switch with a unique color scheme, a lively sound signature, and a bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
