HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) is renowned for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that creates a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke, making it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile experience that combines responsiveness with satisfying auditory feedback. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their eye-catching green and white color scheme, providing a lively, poppy sound signature along with an effortlessly smooth typing experience, perfect for those seeking a more subdued yet delightful engagement with their keyboard. While both switches share the linear characteristic that ensures a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps, their differing weights and auditory profiles present unique benefits to typists and gamers alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Dareu Mahjong, it is clear that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housings, but both share nylon for their bottom housings. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This property is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which not only contributes to sound absorption but also results in a more dull and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which has a higher coefficient of friction and is designed for smooth operation while offering a clackier sound. While the sounds produced by these two switches differ due to their top housing materials, they are both designed to provide unique typing experiences.
Additionally, both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which significantly impacts their overall acoustic qualities. The bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Since both switches utilize nylon for this component, they share similar properties that result in a deep and full sound when bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing material means that, despite the differences in the top housings, both switches can produce a satisfying auditory response in that aspect of typing. As a result, users can expect a consistent foundation in sound profile when bottoming out in both switches, irrespective of the top material.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials lead to distinct tactile sensations and auditory profiles during key release, while the shared nylon bottom housings help both switches maintain a solid and rich bottom-out resonance. In practical terms, this means that typists may experience a noticeable variation in sound and feel when the keys are released, particularly with the Mahjong's crisp and clacky tones paired with its smooth actuation. However, due to the similar properties of the nylon bottom housing, users will enjoy a comparable experience when they press the keys down fully. This interplay of different top materials and shared bottom materials showcases the nuanced design approach in each switch, ultimately providing users with unique yet complementary typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. Conversely, the Mahjong linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer ease of typing during extended sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown, making it difficult to assess its full performance characteristics in comparison. If the bottom out force were known and higher than 55 grams, it could imply a more substantial typing experience akin to the Lotus (Heavy). Currently, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option between the two switches, favoring users who appreciate a firmer push feel, while the Mahjong’s lighter actuation force caters to those valuing a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Lotus (Heavy) having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Mahjong measuring at 3.4 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick responsiveness due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for the added depth when keypressing. Therefore, those who enjoy a quicker response might gravitate toward the Mahjong, while individuals who favor a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the Lotus (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright and resonant tone that stands out during typing, creating an engaging auditory experience. It delivers a lively sound profile that is likely to resonate well in more open environments, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced audio feedback with each key press. In comparison, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a lively and poppy sound, but its overall audio signature leans towards a more neutral profile. This neutrality allows the Mahjong switch to be an excellent choice for versatile use, whether at home or in a professional setting. The variations in sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice, meaning both switches will interact differently depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is known for providing a super bouncy sensation with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, ensuring that each keystroke feels delightfully responsive. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback that invigorates their typing rhythm. Conversely, the Mahjong switch excels in the bouncy category as well, offering an elastic feedback sensation that feels lively and encourages a smoother typing experience. Additionally, it is characterized as mild, providing an approachable feel for users who prefer a gentler typing experience rather than a jarring one. Interestingly, the Mahjong switch is also polished, indicating that it has undergone a refinement process that reduces friction and enhances smooth key travel, contributing to an overall sleek performance.
Overall, while the Lotus (Heavy) switch is recognized for its more pronounced and resonant sound, the Mahjong switch offers a more neutral yet lively auditory experience. In terms of feel, both switches emphasize a bouncy sensation, though the Mahjong also provides characteristics of a mild and polished touch, making it versatile for a broader audience. Choosing between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound depth and the specific tactile feedback desired—both switches, however, promise a satisfying typing journey with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you’re someone who enjoys a weighted keystroke and appreciates a bright, resonant sound profile, the Lotus (Heavy) with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams could be the perfect choice for you. This switch's bouncy feedback and delightful sound will enhance your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for gamers or avid typists who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience with a mild sound profile that remains versatile for various settings—be it at home or in a professional environment—the Dareu Mahjong linear switch might suit you better. Its bouncy nature combined with a polished finish provides smooth keystrokes and an enjoyable tactile response, ideal for those who type frequently throughout the day. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities, whether you seek a heavier, more pronounced engagement with the Lotus or a refined and subtle experience with the Mahjong.
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