Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Mahjong present two appealing yet distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch known for its bright and clacky sound, stands out as a top choice for users seeking an elevated typing experience and enhanced acoustics, making it a great fit for those who desire a dynamic auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong is a linear switch that offers a lively, poppy sound signature and an effortlessly smooth typing experience, making it an ideal option for users who prioritize a gentle and responsive touch without the audible click. While both switches cater to specific user preferences—whether that's the clacky feedback of the Magnetic Jade or the crisp smoothness of the Mahjong—each can significantly impact your overall typing enjoyment. 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Mahjong, significant differences arise in their top housing materials. The Magnetic Jade utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material prized for its stiffness and translucent nature, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetics of RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the visual experience. In contrast, the Mahjong features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is known for its smoothness and exceptional durability. The POK material, with its low coefficient of friction, provides a different auditory experience, leaning towards a smoother, clacky sound while maintaining strength and wear resistance. While both materials aim to optimize the typing experience, they do so in distinctly different ways, resulting in varied acoustic properties and tactile sensations.
Looking at the bottom housing, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Mahjong opt for nylon, which is a well-regarded choice in the mechanical keyboard community. This shared bottom housing material leads to similar effects on the sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience regardless of the top housing. This similarity suggests that while the top housing of each switch may influence the final sound when the key is released, the bottom housing will impart a consistent muted tone that enhances the overall typing experience of both switches. The combination of the nylon bottom housing with different top materials ultimately balances the sound, resulting in a nuanced interplay of acoustics.
In terms of overall performance, the differences in the top housing closely reflect the distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences the user can expect. The Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top creates a brighter resonance that can be enhanced visually with RGB, while the Mahjong's POK conveys durability and smoothness alongside a clackier sound. This difference in top materials creates a clear distinction in user experience, despite their common bottom housing made of nylon, which unifies the fundamental sound profile. Those who appreciate the nuances will likely find themselves leaning towards one model or the other based on their desired typing feel and acoustic satisfaction. Ultimately, while the nylon bottom housing creates a baseline of sound characteristics, the different top housings fundamentally shape the overall experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, significant differences in actuation force are evident. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists may prefer for a tactile experience. While the Magnetic Jade reaches a bottom out force of 55 grams, the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unspecified; therefore, it remains unknown how it compares in that regard. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter experience, the Magnetic Jade is the better choice, while the Dareu Mahjong caters to those who favor a heavier key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mahjong offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the Mahjong might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can allow for quicker key presses—something gamers often seek. On the other hand, if you value a bit more depth in your keystrokes for a more tactile experience, the Magnetic Jade may be more appealing. In this case, the Gateron switch provides a fuller feel with its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Magnetic Jade clearly offers a longer throw, catering to those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Magnetic Jade switches are celebrated for their bright and clacky acoustic profile, which offers an engaging auditory experience that enhances the overall typing experience. This distinctive sound is particularly appealing to those who appreciate an audible click, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who enjoy the acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches present a lively and poppy sound signature, adding a playful quality to the typing experience. While both switches provide a distinct auditory presence, the variations in sound will certainly be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material, with the Magnetic Jade catering to those who prefer a sharper sound and the Mahjong offering a more spirited, yet somewhat softer auditory character.
Regarding feel, the Magnetic Jade's tactile characteristics remain less defined. However, the Mahjong switches are noted for their bouncy and mild response, giving a lively spring-like sensation with each keypress. This elasticity can enhance typing speed as fingers effortlessly rebound from each keystroke. Coupled with the polished finish of the Mahjong switches, their refined construction leads to a smooth and enjoyable feedback during typing, potentially making them feel more comfortable for prolonged use. If the Magnetic Jade switches exhibit a firmer feel, the Mahjong switches offer a gentler approach, appealing to a wide range of users from beginners to seasoned typists.
In summary, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Dareu Mahjong switches exhibit different auditory and tactile qualities, they each cater to specific user preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. The Magnetic Jade’s bright and clacky sound may resonate more with enthusiasts who seek pronounced feedback, while the Mahjong’s lively and polished attributes provide a gentler yet responsive alternative. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both are well-crafted options that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience and a more dynamic typing feel, the Magnetic Jade may be ideal for you. Its 55-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance that is suitable for both casual use and serious typing sessions, particularly for those who enjoy a brighter and clackier sound profile. This switch shines in environments where sound and acoustic feedback enhance the overall typing experience, making it a great fit for Wooting Hall Effect keyboards or any setup aimed at maximizing auditory engagement. On the other hand, if you seek a more laid-back yet responsive typing experience, the Mahjong switch, with its neutral sound profile and bouncy, polished feel, could be your best bet. The Mahjong's design caters to a broader audience, providing a smooth yet lively feedback that can be very comfortable for prolonged use, whether at home or in a bustling office. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on whether you value an expressive sound and feel, or a versatile, smooth typing experience that caters to various environments.
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