HMX Macchiato vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and Dareu Mahjong both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience, yet each offers distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing journey paired with a bright auditory signature, making it a great choice for those who value both feel and sound in their typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, providing a lively, poppy sound profile and an effortless actuation, ideal for users who enjoy a bit of flair alongside performance. While both switches ensure a smooth keystroke and are categorized under linear switches, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes a subtly refined auditory experience or a more engaging typing vibe. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Mahjong, we see a notable difference in their top housing materials. The Macchiato utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Mahjong takes a different approach by employing POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while also providing a smooth typing experience, contributes to a clackier sound due to its superior shock resistance and stronger durability. Thus, while both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Macchiato emphasizes warmth and depth, whereas the Mahjong offers brightness and a more pronounced clack.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we find that they share a common material: nylon. This similarity means that both the HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Mahjong will elicit a deeper, fuller sound profile from their bottom housing. All things being equal, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the typing experience, particularly in shaping the bottom-out sound. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience that signature rounded sound and tactile feel when bottoming out, enhancing the overall typing experience regardless of the differences in their top housings.
In conclusion, the combination of housing materials in the HMX Macchiato and the Dareu Mahjong results in distinct typing experiences that leverage the strengths of each material. While the top housing materials set the tonal characteristics apart—with the Macchiato leaning towards a deeper, softer sound and the Mahjong providing a sharper, clackier response—both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures that, at the base of each switch, users will experience similarities in sound absorption and tactile feedback, bridging the gap between the two typographical experiences. Ultimately, the feel and sound profile these switches offer reflect a blend of material properties, yielding diverse typing sensations that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the differences in their actuation forces are notable. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, providing ease for users who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. However, it's important to note that the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess how it compares to the Macchiato's bottom out force of 50 grams. In summary, while the Macchiato is the lighter option, offering a more effortless typing experience, the Mahjong may appeal to users who seek a heavier keystroke, assuming its bottom out characteristics align accordingly. Given the known values, users can expect similar actuation experiences, albeit with the Macchiato being the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Macchiato switch offers a more pronounced keystroke, which some users might prefer for a deeper and more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong switch, with its shorter distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a potentially better option for gamers who require fast actions. Consequently, the Macchiato is the longer travel switch, while the Mahjong is the shorter one. Depending on individual preferences for feedback and responsiveness, users may choose accordingly between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 Macchiato switch delivers a bright sound profile that enhances its desirability for those who enjoy a more cheerful auditory feedback while typing. This lively characteristic, however, is complemented by the overall quality of your keyboard's build and keycaps, affecting the final sound experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch is recognized for its lively, poppy sound signature, which makes it stand out with a distinctive auditory spit. While both switches favor a more spirited auditory experience, the Macchiato emphasizes brightness, while the Mahjong focuses on a balance that is moderate and adaptable for different environments, making either switch a good choice depending on your preference for sound intensity.
In terms of feel, the Macchiato switch is characterized by a silky smooth typing experience, designed for those who appreciate flowing key travel without interruptions. This smoothness sets the stage for a delightful tactile journey, making each keystroke feel effortless. Conversely, the Mahjong switch offers a more dynamic response with its bouncy, spring-like feedback. Users can expect a lively feel with notable rebound upon pressing, adding an engaging quality to the typing experience. Additionally, the Mahjong is described as having a mild sensation, which makes it approachable while still being polished enough to ensure smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Macchiato's smoothness provides a refined touch that contrasts the energetic response of the Mahjong, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to varying tastes in sound and feel. The Macchiato emphasizes a bright auditory profile and silky smoothness, ideal for users seeking a refined typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong brings an engaging poppy sound and a lively, bouncy feel, accommodating those who enjoy a more energetic typing session. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize brightness and smoothness or a livelier auditory and tactile experience. Both options promise a compelling switch experience, with the potential for similar outcomes depending on your specific preferences and the keyboard configuration you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a typing experience that is silky smooth with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Macchiato would be a great choice, especially if you enjoy a brighter sound profile that enhances your keystrokes. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a softer touch and appreciate a more refined feel during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and bouncy feel with a poppy sound signature, the Dareu Mahjong switch is designed to provide an effortless typing experience that is both engaging and dynamic. Its neutral sound profile and mild characteristics make it suitable for various settings, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned typist. If you enjoy that spring-like rebound on your keys and a more playful typing experience, the Mahjong switch will cater to those needs beautifully. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in a typing experience—smoothness versus liveliness—allowing you to choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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