Dareu Mahjong vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Neptune stand out as exemplary options, both offering unique features and qualities tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Mahjong's distinctive green and white color scheme and lively, poppy sound signature make it a standout choice for those seeking an effortless typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Neptune sets itself apart with its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth, frictionless glide paired with a springy resistance akin to chewy treats like mochi or tapioca pearls. While the Mahjong is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Neptune boasts characteristics such as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and TTC Neptune use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing, which contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY. In contrast, the Neptune employs POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. Additionally, the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, while the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with greater clarity and resonance.
While the Dareu Mahjong and TTC Neptune have differences in their housing materials, they both prioritize durability and sound quality in their design. The POK material used in the Mahjong's top housing offers excellent wear resistance and shock resistance, making the switches long-lasting and reliable. Similarly, the Neptune's POM top housing produces a unique sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Although the bottom housings differ in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback for users during typing or gaming sessions.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Mahjong and TTC Neptune influences the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Mahjong's combination of POK and nylon housings creates a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Neptune's use of POM and polycarbonate housings produces a deeper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams. This means that the Mahjong requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mahjong has an unknown value while the Neptune has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it heavier in this aspect. This means that while the Mahjong may require more force to actuate, the Neptune provides a heavier typing experience when bottoming out. In terms of weight, the Mahjong could be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Neptune may be better for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on actuation and bottom out force preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for a quick response time when typing or gaming. Gamers in particular may appreciate the shorter travel distance for its ability to provide faster reaction times. However, for some users, a shorter travel distance may feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In this case, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance might be more suitable. Overall, both the Dareu Mahjong and TTC Neptune linear switches offer relatively similar travel distances, providing users with a responsive typing or gaming 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 the sound of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of uses, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Neptune's sound profile is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Mahjong, which has a more moderate sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Mahjong being more versatile while the Neptune has a distinct low-pitched and thocky tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a lively and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and a sleek finish. In comparison, the TTC Neptune linear switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience. The Neptune switch is known for its smooth, fluid keystroke and springy resistance similar to chewy delicacies like mochi or tapioca pearls. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Mahjong having a bouncier feel while the Neptune provides a buttery and gummy sensation.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that they both offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong excels in providing a lively and poppy sound with a bouncy feel, the Neptune stands out for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and buttery, gummy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy a unique aesthetic with a poppy sound and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a harmonious balance of smooth gliding and springy resistance, offering a matte feel and muted sound signature for refined typing, the Neptune switch could be more suited to your taste. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound and a bouncy or mild feel, the Mahjong switch might be the better choice. Conversely, if you enjoy low-pitched, muted sound with a buttery, frictionless, gummy, or mild feel, the Neptune switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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