Gateron Luciola vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and Dareu Mahjong stand out as two captivating choices, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. The Gateron Luciola is not only striking in design, glowing in the dark to add a touch of flair to any setup, but it also delivers a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing experience, complemented by its distinctive sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. This makes the Luciola an enticing option for those who prioritize both aesthetics and tactile feedback in their typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches impress with their refreshing green and white color scheme, promising a lively, poppy sound that adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to each keystroke. Their effortless typing experience is ideal for users seeking a more neutral and polished feel, making them well-suited for prolonged use or gaming sessions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Dareu Mahjong switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, each contributing to the overall typing experience. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, promoting a high-pitched, clacky sound profile that users often appreciate for its satisfaction during use. This consistent material choice enhances the uniformity in sound and feel across the switch, creating a coherent experience where the responsiveness and audio feedback are predictably linked. On the other hand, the Mahjong features POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while employing nylon for the bottom housing, which tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The contrasting sound characteristics produced by the different materials in the Mahjong switch yield a more varied auditory experience as users transition from a higher-pitched sound when releasing the key to a robust, rounded sound upon bottoming out.
When comparing the two switches, the choice of the top housing material plays a crucial role in the overall acoustic profile. The Luciola's top housing, made from the proprietary INK blend, contributes to a distinct, sharper sound that is particularly noticeable during the release phase of a key press. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong's POK housing, while still supporting a clacky sound, adds an element of smoothness due to its lower coefficient of friction, which allows for a more fluid key action. The differences in top housing materials highlight how the auditory feedback can vary even with a shared clacky sound profile, emphasizing the importance of the specific materials chosen for each part of the switch.
On the flip side, the bottom housing materials present a notable divergence between the two switches, affecting the physical feel and acoustic qualities during press engagements. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile with that of the top housing, both producing a higher-pitched clack, thereby reinforcing a unified character across the switch. In contrast, the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and provides a more muted experience, contributing to a softer bottom-out feel. This contrast demonstrates the intricacies of switch design, where the interplay of materials can result in varied tactile and auditory sensations. Ultimately, while both switches can achieve satisfying sound profiles, the materials employed create nuanced differences that define each switch's unique tactile and auditory characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Luciola has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for prolonged use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mahjong features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press, which is beneficial for those who type for extended periods without feeling fatigued. However, the Mahjong's bottom out force is unspecified, meaning we cannot conclude how it compares to the Luciola's bottom out force of 60 grams. As such, users seeking a lighter feel should lean towards the Dareu Mahjong switch, while those who appreciate a heavier tactile response might find the Gateron Luciola more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the Luciola offers a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, compared to the Mahjong's 3.4 mm. This difference, though slight, means that the Luciola may provide a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Mahjong's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feedback, embodying the trend towards brevity in switch design. Thus, users who favor a gentle and thorough keypress will likely gravitate towards the Luciola, while those who appreciate speed and responsiveness might prefer the Mahjong.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Luciola and Dareu Mahjong linear switches, the differences are quite notable. The Luciola produces a hollow sound reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken," characterized by a somewhat clacky and high-pitched quality. It offers a crisp and snappy auditory feedback that can be engaging for users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic experience. In contrast, the Mahjong exhibits a lively, poppy sound, leaning toward a neutral acoustic profile. This makes the Mahjong more versatile, accommodating a wide range of typing scenarios without being intrusive, particularly suited for environments where a moderate sound level is preferred.
In terms of feel, the Luciola stands out with its medium heft, delivering a smooth and bouncy typing experience that many users will find responsive. The snappy nature of the switch enhances typing speed and accuracy, while the buttery quality ensures a seamless keystroke motion. This polished finish contributes to reduced friction and an overall refined tactile experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong offers a distinctly bouncy feel, which provides an elastic feedback that adds a playful element to typing. Although described as mild, the smoothness of the switch is comparable to the Luciola, thanks to its polished design; this combination makes for a gentle yet engaging typing experience that remains accessible to all users.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola and Dareu Mahjong linear switches have their unique characteristics, they also share some similarities, particularly in their polished finishes and engaging typing experiences. The Luciola's vibrant, high-pitched sound contrasts with the Mahjong's more neutral signature, yet both provide fluid keystrokes that enhance user enjoyment. Ultimately, if you're drawn to either switch, you can expect an engaging typing experience filled with responsiveness, whether through the Luciola's lively acoustic presence or the Mahjong's versatile and moderate sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Luciola and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium heft in your keys and appreciate a unique visual aspect, the Luciola is an excellent choice, especially if you favor a typing experience that feels snappy and polished with a sound profile that's both clacky and chirpy. This switch’s luminous quality adds an additional flair for those who enjoy aesthetics alongside functionality, creating a playful and vibrant setup. However, if you prefer a more effortless typing experience that suits both work and casual gaming, the Mahjong switches may be more your style. Their lively and bouncy feel, coupled with a neutral sound signature, makes for a comfortable option that appeals to both beginners and more experienced typists alike. The choice becomes clear when considering your desired balance of tactile feedback, aesthetic considerations, and sound preferences, ensuring that your keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your style of use.
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