Dareu Mahjong vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is a classic choice known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Red, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb sound. This commonality means that when typing on these switches, users can expect to experience a similar sound experience. However, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smoother and more durable feel compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. The POK material's coefficient of friction is higher, making it one of the smoothest materials available, while also boasting strong wear resistance and shock resistance.
While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the Mahjong utilizes POK for its top housing, offering a smoother and more durable typing experience compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. The POK material's properties make for smoother and clackier switches, providing users with a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Red's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more resonant typing sound. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of smoothness, durability, and sound quality in the Mahjong, while the MX Red focuses more on achieving a distinctive sound profile.
In terms of overall performance, the Dareu Mahjong's housing materials offer a combination of smoothness, durability, and clackiness, thanks to the POK top housing and nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housing. While both switches offer unique typing experiences, the Mahjong may appeal more to those who prioritize smoothness and durability, while the MX Red may cater to users looking for a distinctive typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preferences and priorities in terms of typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light touch for typing and gaming. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. This means that while the actuation force is the same, the experience of pressing the switch all the way down could be different between the two. In general, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it a popular choice for those who spend a lot of time on their keyboards. On the other hand, a heavier bottom out force can provide a more tactile typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mahjong's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Mahjong providing a quicker, more responsive feel and the MX Red offering a more deliberate, substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. Depending on personal preferences and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver a pleasing sound experience, albeit with slight differences in tone and depth.
Moving on to feel, the Mahjong linear switch is characterized by its bouncy and mild typing sensation, offering a lively and approachable feel with a polished finish for smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a textured feel, providing users with a tactile feedback that may vary in preference based on individual typing styles. While the Mahjong switch offers a more consistent and smooth typing experience, the MX Red switch gives users a more tactile and responsive feel due to its textured nature.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch provides a neutral sound profile and a polished, bouncy typing feel, the MX Red switch offers a thocky sound and a textured, tactile typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother, more consistent typing experience or a more tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying results that align with your personal preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper, thocky sound profile, the MX Red switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a bouncy and polished typing feel or a low-pitched and textured typing experience. Consider these factors carefully before making your final decision.
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