Dareu Mahjong vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Mahjong and SP-Star Meteor White both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switch is characterized by its lively and poppy sound signature, providing an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a subdued and gentle linear feel, with a soft pitter-patter sound profile. While the Mahjong switch is bouncy and polished, the Meteor White switch is thocky and also polished. Both switches have mild and neutral attributes, making them suitable for a wide range of users. 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its soft nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience for users of both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Dareu Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY. The POK material is exceptionally strong, with wear resistance surpassing that of POM by 14 times. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper sound profile with a smooth feel. While both materials offer their own unique characteristics, it's clear that the POK material excels in terms of strength and wear resistance compared to nylon.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong and the SP-Star Meteor White will come down to personal preference and the typing experience desired. Both switches offer top-notch quality in their housing materials, with the Mahjong standing out for its POK top housing's strength and durability, while the Meteor White shines for its nylon top housing's ability to create a fuller sound profile. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Meteor White, for which the actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is 57 grams, while that of the Mahjong is unspecified. The Mahjong provides a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, which may be preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mahjong being lighter and the Meteor White having a medium-light bottom out force, ensuring that users can choose according to their typing style and preference for force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Meteor White's 4 mm. The Mahjong's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Meteor White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press sensation for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Mahjong being quicker and more responsive, while the Meteor White offers a more deliberate and pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
When comparing the sound of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the category of neutral in terms of sound profile. Both switches provide a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for a variety of users and environments. While the Mahjong offers a poppy sound signature, the Meteor White produces a gentle pitter-patter sound profile, with a thocky attribute for a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Mahjong switch is described as being bouncy, mild, and polished. The bouncy sensation provides a spring-like feedback, while the mild characteristic offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is also categorized as mild and polished, providing users with a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a safe middle-ground feel that makes typing enjoyable for a wide range of individuals.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch share similarities in sound and feel qualities. Both switches have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Additionally, they both offer a gentle typing experience with a smooth and polished finish for enhanced key travel. Whether you choose the Mahjong or Meteor White switch, you can expect a pleasant typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound signature and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you enjoy a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Dareu Mahjong switch is the way to go. It offers a bouncy and polished feel with no bottom out force, providing a smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is a great choice. It offers a mild and polished feel with a soft sound profile that is easy on the ears. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel and sound profile, whether you lean towards a lively or a gentle typing experience.
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