Durock Lupine vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lupine is praised for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when typing and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Users appreciate the classic clacky sound profile produced by these switches. On the other hand, the Mahjong stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and vibrant sound signature during typing sessions. The effortless typing experience is a notable feature of the Mahjong switches. While the Lupine is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished, the Mahjong is described as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished. Each switch has its own advantages that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and Dareu Mahjong both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings creates a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smooth and clacky sound profile with exceptional durability, surpassing other materials in wear and shock resistance. Both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, with nylon being the choice for both. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the Lupine and Mahjong share similarities in their housing materials, their individual qualities shine through in different aspects of the switch. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound when a key is released, providing a unique auditory experience for the user. On the other hand, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable typing experience, emphasizing the clacky sound profile. Both switches showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials, highlighting the importance of material choice in creating a desired sound profile for mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and Dareu Mahjong play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Lupine and Mahjong both opt for nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. By combining different housing materials, these switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and feel. Both switches demonstrate the impact of material choice on the overall performance and characteristics of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Lupine has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. The Lupine is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong offers a lighter actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. Overall, the Lupine provides a more tactile typing experience with its higher bottom out force, while the Mahjong offers a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Lupine is the longer of the two switches, providing a bit more depth in each key press, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Mahjong offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by those looking for a faster and more responsive typing experience. In terms of travel distance, these switches offer slightly different options to cater to individual preferences, with the Lupine being the longer and the Mahjong being the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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, both the Durock Lupine and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments and preferences. The Lupine switches have a classic clacky sound, while the Mahjong switches have a lively and poppy sound signature. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switches are described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The two-stage long springs in these switches offer a consistent weight distribution on press down and a powerful upward movement on rebound. This results in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, they also offer a mild and polished typing experience, making them approachable to most users.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lupine switches provide a classic clacky sound and a polished typing experience with two-stage long springs, the Mahjong switches offer a lively and poppy sound signature along with a bouncy and polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique color scheme, a lively and poppy sound signature, and a bouncy typing experience, the Mahjong switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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