Dareu Mahjong vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Mahjong stands out with its distinct green and white color scheme and lively, poppy sound signature, providing an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with a smooth gliding typing sensation and rich, creamy auditory experience. While the Mahjong is categorized as 'Bouncy' and the Mamba as 'Thocky', both are rated as 'Neutral' and 'Mild'. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Mamba switches offer contrasting characteristics. The Mahjong's top housing made of POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, with exceptional wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile that is described as bright but not sharp. While the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a relatively more muted and deeper sound.
Although both the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Mamba switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the POK top housing in the Mahjong will impact the smoothness and durability of the switch, while the nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Mamba's unique blend top housing influences the brightness of the sound, while the POM bottom housing contributes to a more muted and deeper sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
In terms of performance, the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Mamba switches offer unique qualities due to their housing materials. The Mahjong's POK top housing provides smooth and clacky switches with exceptional durability, while the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound profile. The Mahjong's nylon bottom housing enhances the sound with its softer plastic properties, while the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a unique and deep sound. Overall, both switches offer a variety of sound profiles and typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is clear that they both offer different weight options for users. The Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Since the actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, it is difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Mahjong in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who are more sensitive to switch feel, the Mahjong may provide a slightly quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Mamba may offer a slightly more gradual key press experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar performance in terms of travel distance, with the Mahjong being slightly shorter and the Mamba being slightly longer.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Dareu Mahjong and Durock Mamba linear switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various typing environments. However, the Mamba switch offers an additional thocky quality, providing a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience compared to the Mahjong. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to feel, the Mahjong switch is characterized by its bouncy and mild qualities, offering a lively and gentle typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Similarly, the Mamba switch also provides a mild typing experience with a polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and refined keypress with reduced friction. Both switches fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback, making them approachable to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Mamba linear switches share similarities in their neutral sound profiles and mild typing experiences. While the Mahjong switch provides a bouncy feel, the Mamba switch offers a thocky sound signature, giving users a slightly different auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for those seeking linear switches with versatile qualities and a pleasant typing experience. Whether you opt for the Mahjong or Mamba, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Mahjong linear switch or the Durock Mamba linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, vibrant colors, and a lively typing experience, then the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a smooth and creamy auditory experience, and a tribute to Kobe Bryant, then the Mamba switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, making them versatile options for a variety of users. Ultimately, the decision between the Mahjong and Mamba switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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