HMX Lucky vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switches for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Mahjong each offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Lucky switches stand out with their softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and a smooth keypress without any distracting sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches showcase a striking green and white color scheme along with a lively, poppy sound signature, delivering an effortless typing experience that is both fun and engaging. These switches are categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, making them ideal for users who appreciate a bit of character in their typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Mahjong exhibit both similarities and distinctions that contribute to their overall performance and sound profile. Starting with the top housing, the HMX Lucky employs nylon, known for its softer composition. This characteristic enables the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and more rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While POK is recognized for its exceptional smoothness and durability, it tends to produce a sound that is more clacky and high-pitched compared to the Lucky's softer nylon tones. Therefore, users may find that the typing experience on the Lucky provides a warmer sound signature, while the Mahjong offers a sharper and snappier sensation.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon, which further emphasizes certain acoustic qualities in the switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, consistent between both switches. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, both switches will provide a similar auditory experience in that regard. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both models ensures that, despite the differences in top housing materials, users will still encounter a familiar and deep sound when typing.
In summary, the comparison between the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Mahjong reveals that their performances and overall typing experiences are influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. While the nylon bottom housing in both provides a consistent sound profile, the contrasting top materials result in differing auditory outcomes. Users seeking a deeper sound profile will appreciate the nylon in the Lucky, whereas those who prefer a smoother and more durable typing experience may gravitate towards the Mahjong’s POK top housing. Together, these materials define what typing feels and sounds like for each switch, making them uniquely appealing to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct preferences for different typing experiences. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Mahjong switch features a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unfortunately unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Lucky switch presents a lighter feel, beneficial for comfort, while the Mahjong, with its higher actuation force, caters to those seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Lucky switch boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mahjong switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mahjong switch the shorter option, providing a more rapid response time that many gamers might prefer for quick actions. In contrast, the Lucky switch, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Mahjong switch is the better choice; however, if you appreciate a more tactile experience, the HMX Lucky may be more suited to your taste.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 considering the sound profile, the HMX Lucky switch is relatively neutral, offering a moderate sound signature that strikes a balance suitable for various environments. This makes it an excellent choice for both work and home settings, appealing to novice and experienced typists alike. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch introduces a lively, poppy sound signature that adds a distinctive flair to the typing experience. This engaging sound can enhance the enjoyment of typing, though it may not be as versatile in quieter environments. The sound quality of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, potentially offering similar results in an optimal setup.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch provides a neutral and satisfying typing experience, characterized by a lightweight design and a softer nylon housing that offers a gentle touch. This creates an approachable typing experience, ideal for users who may be new to mechanical switches. The Dareu Mahjong switch, however, stands out with its bouncy feel, providing spring-like feedback that adds a lively rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Mahjong switch is described as mild and polished, suggesting a more refined finish that translates to smooth key travel and reduced friction. This combination of characteristics may lead to a more dynamic typing experience in comparison to the Lucky's straightforward approach.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky and Dareu Mahjong linear switches provide a distinct typing experience with their own unique auditory and tactile qualities. While the Lucky leans toward a neutral sound and gentle feel, the Mahjong offers a more expressive sound profile and a lively, dynamic sensation. If you prefer a versatile and mild experience, the Lucky may suit you better, whereas those who enjoy a playful and polished feel will likely gravitate towards the Mahjong. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preference and intended usage.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider what qualities best suit your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth, deeply satisfying feel, the Lucky might be your best choice, particularly if you enjoy a typing experience that feels neutral yet responsive. Its softer nylon housing is ideal for those who appreciate a more gentle touch, making it perfect for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more dynamic typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switches could be the way to go. Their bouncy and polished characteristics provide a lively, elastic feedback that makes each keystroke feel exciting, coupled with a unique sound signature that elevates the auditory experience. This switch is suited for you if you want to bring a bit of flair to your setup, especially if aesthetics and sound play a crucial role in your mechanical keyboard choice. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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