Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Oil King stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches are recognized for their distinctive green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King switches are praised for their buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar, offering a smooth and creamy typing experience. Both switches excel in their own ways, with the Mahjong switch being categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', while the Oil King switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Polished'. 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
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials that have a significant impact on the feel and sound of the switches. The Mahjong's POK top housing is known for its smoothness and durability, while the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials excel in different areas, they both contribute to creating a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Mahjong utilizes nylon, which also provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing creates a unique clacky sound that is described as thin and higher-pitched. The choice of bottom housing material in both switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Oil King use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both prioritize creating a unique and satisfying typing experience for users. The Mahjong's POK material offers smoothness and durability, while the Oil King's nylon and INK blend provide different sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Despite their differences, both switches aim to deliver a high-quality typing experience that is sure to impress users.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch reveals some key differences. The Mahjong switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Oil King switch requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, giving users a more substantial push feel. Furthermore, while the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch is unknown, the Oil King switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Mahjong linear switch, while individuals seeking a firmer typing experience may opt for the Gateron Oil King linear switch. Both switches offer unique benefits based on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The shorter travel distance of the Mahjong may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Oil King may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 neutral sound profile that is versatile and suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound that is smooth and rich, akin to biting into a dark chocolate bar. Depending on your preference, the Mahjong switch may be more universally appealing, while the Oil King switch caters to those who enjoy a deeper and mellower tone during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a vibrant and refined typing experience with a spring-like feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing sensation that feels effortless and luxurious. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, but the Oil King switch takes it a step further with its buttery and silky feel, making each keystroke glide with ease.
Overall, while both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer pleasant sound and feel qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a lively and poppy sound, along with a versatile and bouncy feel, the Mahjong switch may be the choice for you. However, if you enjoy a low-pitched and bassy sound, coupled with a creamy and buttery typing experience, the Oil King switch would be the ideal option. Both switches promise a premium typing experience with their unique characteristics, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of quality and satisfaction with either choice.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value buttery smoothness, a rich sound profile, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Oil King switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so it's important to determine what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making a decision.
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