Dareu Mahjong vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Cherry MX Silent Red stand out as popular options in the linear switch category. The Dareu Mahjong switches are known for their unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red mirrors the classic MX Red switch but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches. The Dareu Mahjong utilizes POK material, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, the POK material contributes to smooth and clacky switches that are built to last. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which also provides a smooth typing experience but with a slightly different sound profile. Overall, both materials excel in their own ways, with POK focusing on durability and smoothness, while nylon offers a deeper sound profile.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer a high-quality typing experience. The POK material of the Mahjong provides exceptional strength and wear resistance, ensuring longevity and durability. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red enhances the sound profile of the switches, creating a unique typing experience. While the materials may vary, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness, clackiness, and overall performance from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the two switches are quite similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear how much pressure is needed to press the key all the way down. In terms of weight, both switches offer a light typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, for those who prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, neither switch would provide that option. Ultimately, if the actuation force and bottom out force are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Mahjong. In general, both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, there may be a slight noticeable difference in feel between the two switches, with the Cherry MX Silent Red providing a slightly deeper key press compared to the Dareu Mahjong. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a more lively and poppy sound signature, fitting for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a significantly quieter sound profile, perfect for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. The Mahjong's neutral sound profile is versatile for various users and settings, while the MX Silent Red's muted and thocky low-pitched sound is ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound aesthetics, with the Mahjong offering a more vibrant typing experience and the MX Silent Red catering to those who prefer a quieter workspace.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switch is characterized by its bouncy and mild typing experience, providing users with a lively feedback sensation and a gentle overall feel. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mahjong switch ensures smooth and refined key travel, enhancing the typing experience. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, potentially offering a bit of friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may lean towards a smoother typing experience. Again, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, with the Mahjong offering a bouncy and polished sensation and the MX Silent Red providing a slightly textured feedback.
In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Mahjong provides a more lively and poppy sound with a bouncy and polished feel, the MX Silent Red delivers a quieter typing experience with a textured feel. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences and environments. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying results with either switch, depending on their preferred sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive settings such as an office or shared space, the MX Silent Red may be the better choice with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lively and bouncy typing feel along with a unique color scheme, the Mahjong switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, so it comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment. Consider these factors carefully to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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