Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice their differences in design and characteristics. The Lunar Probe stands out for its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses while also providing a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches from Dareu feature a unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively, poppy sound signature and an effortless typing experience. The Lunar Probe is categorized as linear, while the Mahjong falls under bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, which may cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and Dareu Mahjong, it becomes evident that both switches utilize similar materials for their top housing. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the Mahjong utilizes a POK top housing, which is incredibly smooth and durable, offering a clacky typing experience. While the materials themselves are different, they both contribute to enhancing sound quality and durability, making them favorable choices for mechanical switches. The use of polycarbonate in the Lunar Probe and POK in the Mahjong both showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance of a switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches opt for nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many typing enthusiasts. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both the Lunar Probe and Mahjong are able to provide a unique typing experience that emphasizes the sound and feel of the switch. Despite having different top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches showcases a shared commitment to delivering a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and Dareu Mahjong feature different materials for their top housing (polycarbonate and POK) and the same material for their bottom housing (nylon), they both excel in providing unique sound profiles and durability. The Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smoother and clackier sound experience. Simultaneously, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke, making it a crucial consideration for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them light switches in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier resistance when pressing the key all the way down. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Lunar Probe can be considered lighter due to the slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Mahjong switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Lunar Probe may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Mahjong switch could be a suitable choice if the bottom out force is on the heavier side. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Lunar Probe offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong. For those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Lunar Probe may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and immediate tactile feedback, the Dareu Mahjong with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a subtle and smooth linear experience, while the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a more lively and poppy sound signature. The Lunar Probe switch is likely to produce a quieter typing noise compared to the Mahjong switch due to its pre-lubed mechanism. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a smooth and stable keypress due to its dual rail mechanism, while the Dareu Mahjong switch is characterized as bouncy, mild, and polished. This means that the Mahjong switch provides a more elastic feedback sensation with a gentle typing experience, thanks to its lively feel and smooth finish. While the Lunar Probe switch may offer a more consistent keypress, the Mahjong switch provides a unique and approachable typing experience with its polished and bouncy qualities.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more lively and bouncy feel with a moderate sound profile, the Dareu Mahjong switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. While the switches may have differences in sound and feel, both are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, pre-lubed linear typing sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a unique color scheme, a lively, poppy sound signature, and a bouncy, mild, or polished typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound.
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