Outemu Lime vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Lime is a tactile switch that stands out for being lightweight, featuring an approachable tactility, and being silenced, making it perfect for tactile fans seeking a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong is a linear switch with a unique green and white color scheme that adds personality to any keyboard. It offers a lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience, making it a favorite for those who prefer a bouncy and polished 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
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and Dareu Mahjong switches both feature top housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Lime's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its soft plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Mahjong's POK top housing is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, resulting in smooth, clacky, and durable switches. Despite the differences in material composition, both top housings play a crucial role in determining the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottom housing materials, both switches use nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housings of both the Lime and Mahjong switches contribute to the overall typing experience by providing a consistent sound quality that is duller and rounder due to the nature of the softer plastic. While the bottom housing may not receive as much attention as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and Dareu Mahjong switches highlight the importance of both top and bottom housings in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While the Lime utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the Mahjong switches incorporate POK material for the top housing, offering a different set of characteristics such as smoothness and durability. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through the careful selection of housing materials that impact sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the Lime is the lighter of the two. The Lime requires 35 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, which is relatively light. On the other hand, the Mahjong has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Lime would be the preferred choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the Mahjong may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the small difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Lime or the slightly longer travel distance of the Mahjong will depend on your personal preference for key responsiveness.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they both have a moderate sound that is suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. The Lime switch, however, offers a muted sound compared to the Mahjong switch, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as being feathery and mild, offering a light and gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. The Mahjong linear switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy and polished, providing a lively feel with smooth key travel. Both switches offer a safe middle ground in terms of feel, with the Lime switch being lighter and more subtle, while the Mahjong switch offers a spring-like feedback sensation.
Overall, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lime switch is best for those who enjoy a lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility, while the Mahjong switch is perfect for those who prefer a lively typing feel with smooth key travel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either of these switches would provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight, tactile typing experience with a silent profile, the Outemu Lime switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique, poppy sound signature and a smooth typing experience, you may find the Dareu Mahjong switch to be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that best suit your typing needs.
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