Dareu Mahjong vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature during typing. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', it provides an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is praised for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both feature nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps create a more immersive typing experience with its sound qualities, making keystrokes feel more substantial.
However, the top housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ, with the Mahjong utilizing POK material and the Meteor Orange using nylon. The POK material in the Mahjong switch is known for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction higher than LY but still considered one of the smoothest materials available. On the other hand, the nylon top housing in the Meteor Orange contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the materials serve different functions, they both ultimately aim to improve the user's typing experience through different sound and feel characteristics.
In terms of overall construction, the Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor Orange showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, the POK top housing in the Mahjong offers a smoother and more durable typing experience compared to the nylon top housing in the Meteor Orange. Despite these differences, the combination of housing materials in both switches ultimately aims to enhance the overall typing experience for users, catering to different preferences and preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is clear that the Mahjong is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Meteor Orange's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange is the heavier option with 57 grams compared to the Mahjong's unknown bottom out force. The actuation force of a switch is essential for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Mahjong may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mahjong would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. In contrast, the Meteor Orange switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keypress experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for a wide range of users and settings. However, the Meteor Orange switch also has a thocky characteristic, giving it a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy and mild characteristics, providing a lively and gentle typing experience. Additionally, it is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing feel. Similarly, the Meteor Orange switch is also described as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall in the safe middle ground in terms of feel, making them approachable and comfortable for most users.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mahjong switch is praised for its lively sound and bouncy feel, the Meteor Orange switch stands out for its soft tactility and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference in sound and typing feel, but rest assured that both options provide a pleasant and versatile typing experience. Whether you opt for the Mahjong or the Meteor Orange, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Mahjong switches might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and soft tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
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