Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Mahjong is distinguished by its distinctive green and white color scheme and is praised for its lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is known for its gummy typing feel and deep, muted sound profile, providing a satisfying and creamy typing experience. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, the North Pole V2 is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron North Pole V2, we see that the Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing while the North Pole V2 uses polycarbonate. The POK material in the Mahjong provides a smooth and clacky feel to the switches, with exceptional durability and wear resistance. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials offer durability, they provide different sound profiles and tactile feels to the switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Mahjong opts for a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing characteristics. The use of different materials for the bottom housing in each switch leads to varying tactile feels when typing, with the nylon bottom housing providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ, they both offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. The POK material in the Mahjong focuses on smoothness, durability, and clackiness, while the polycarbonate material in the North Pole V2 emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly suitable for RGB lighting. Whether it's the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel or the top housing influencing the sound upon key release, both switches provide distinct benefits based on their chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mahjong's force is unknown, while the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Mahjong switch may provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the North Pole V2 switch offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mahjong being lighter and the North Pole V2 being medium-heavy in terms of force required for keystrokes and bottoming out. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate switch depends on individual preference for the typing experience they desire.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mahjong switch is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while the North Pole V2 switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Gateron North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a quieter typing experience that may be preferred in quieter settings. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can be further influenced by factors such as keyboard material and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch is known for its bouncy and mild typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and a polished finish for smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy and creamy typing sensation, where the keys feel like bottoming out on a trampoline or melting effortlessly into each keystroke. Both switches offer refined tactile feedback, giving users a satisfying typing experience with different nuances in feel.
Overall, both the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a lively and poppy sound with a bouncy and mild typing feel, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a gummy and creamy typing experience, the North Pole V2 switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that will enhance your typing experience and can be further customized based on your keyboard setup and personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively and poppy sound, along with a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile and a gummy, creamy typing feel, the North Pole V2 switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so it's important to choose based on what suits you best.
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