Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Mars mechanical keyboard switches, both of which belong to the linear switch category, enthusiasts will find distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature that makes typing feel energetic and engaging. They are characterized by a bouncy, mild, and polished feel, offering an effortless typing experience that many users appreciate for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches bring innovation to the table with their unique design, which combines a POK stem within a high-quality housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, giving them a smooth yet robust performance. While the Mars switches do not have specific categorizations, their innovative design aims to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may boil down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics and tactile feedback; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that truly suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Mars switches, we observe distinct characteristics that influence their overall performance and sound profiles. The Mahjong utilizes a top housing made from POK, a material known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slick surface that enhances typing experience, contributing to a clacky sound that many typists may find satisfying. In contrast, the Mars incorporates a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and generate a deeper, fuller auditory experience. While both switches aim for smooth operation, the Mahjong's POK material delivers a more pronounced and vibrant sound profile, whereas the Gateron Mars focuses on a muter and warmer response.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts between the two switches. The Mahjong's nylon bottom housing brings the same classic properties of softness as the Mars's nylon top housing, contributing to the rounded sound signature that enthusiasts appreciate. However, the Mars features POM for its bottom housing, offering a distinct presence of deeper tones while still delivering a muted sound. This divergence in materials for the bottom housing implies that each switch has its unique auditory characteristics; the Mahjong leans toward a slightly higher frequency with more clanking sound, while the Mars emphasizes deeper, softer notes, enriching the overall sound experience when keys are actuated.
The interaction between top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in defining the feel and sound of both switch types. For the Mahjong, the resilient POK top mates with a nylon bottom, leading to an overall smooth experience with a lively audio profile that feels distinct throughout its journey from keypress to release. The Mars, conversely, blends a nylon top—a sound-absorbing choice—with POM's unique sound qualities in its bottom housing. This coupling results in a soft bottom-out feel paired with a muted top-out response. Even though the materials differ, both switches can provide satisfying feedback; by adjusting typing speed and force, users can tailor their experience, yielding similarly pleasant results despite the contrasting compositions.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Mars linear switches both share a noteworthy similarity in their actuation force, which is 45 grams for each, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which means we can't directly compare how hard one needs to press to fully depress the key on either switch. While the actuation forces are equal, the unknown bottom out forces leave some ambiguity regarding their overall feel by the end of a keystroke. In terms of weight, since both switches exhibit the same actuation force, users looking for a lighter typing experience would find these switches comparable in that regard. Thus, for someone who enjoys a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, there would be no significant difference based on actuation force alone, though the undisclosed bottom out forces could influence their preferences depending on personal tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that the Mahjong offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mahjong is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more tactile and substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a deeper key press. Thus, the choice between the two switches largely depends on personal preference: opt for the Mahjong for snappy responsiveness or the Mars for a more traditional 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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Dareu Mahjong switch stands out with its lively and poppy sound signature. This distinctive auditory profile tends to inject a sense of energy into typing, which can be both engaging and satisfying. While the Mahjong is described as neutral, facilitating a balanced sound experience suitable for various settings, such as home or office, the Gateron Mars switch lacks any specific sound characteristics mentioned, leaving its acoustic qualities unspecified. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced significantly by factors such as the keyboard's construction, the choice of keycaps, and typing technique.
Focusing on the feel, the Mahjong switch excels with its bouncy, mild, and polished characteristics. The bouncy sensation offers a spring-like feedback that can enhance the tactile experience, while the mild nature ensures it remains accessible to both new and experienced typists. The polished finish contributes to a smooth typing experience, marked by reduced friction and effortless key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Gateron Mars switch is not detailed, making it difficult to draw any direct comparisons. Therefore, if users prioritize a specific tactile experience, they may find the Mahjong to be more clearly defined in that regard.
In conclusion, if you're considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch presents an appealing combination of sound and feel that seems robust and versatile, ideal for a range of typing scenarios. The lively auditory feedback, coupled with its bouncy and polished feel, sets it apart as a strong contender. On the other hand, with insufficient information about the Gateron Mars, it’s challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, if you lean towards a polished typing experience and want something with a lively sound, the Mahjong will likely meet your expectations. For users seeking a similar outcome as the Mahjong, exploring other switches with defined characteristics would be advisable, especially if you're aiming for a specific aura of enjoyment while typing.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your preferences and typing style will significantly influence your choice. If you lean towards a lively typing experience that features a bouncy feel, the Mahjong switch is the way to go. Its poppy sound signature and polished feedback make it an exciting option for those who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard, whether for gaming or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth, reliable switch that combines thoughtful design with consistent performance, the Gateron Mars switch may be more suitable. Its unique POK stem design and a blend of durable materials provide a reliable typing experience that’s great for both daily tasks and intensive gaming. In short, choose Mahjong for a lively and engaging typing experience, while the Mars is your best bet for consistent performance and durability in a more refined package.
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