Dareu Mahjong vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Orange. The Dareu Mahjong switch is notable for its lively, poppy sound signature and effortless typing experience, with a unique green and white color scheme that stands out within Dareu's lineup. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy type feel with a 22mm long spring and features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing for a slick, frictionless typing experience. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', the Orange switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering a different typing experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and KTT Orange both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile and translucent aesthetic. However, both switches prioritize durability and performance, with the Mahjong's POK material offering exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance, while the Orange's polycarbonate material provides a clear and resonant sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience with their choice of top housing material.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Mahjong opts for a nylon housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Orange also utilizes polycarbonate for its sharper and crisper sound profile. While the materials may differ, both switches prioritize sound quality and acoustics in their design. The nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong offers a unique typing experience with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange provides a more clear and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique sound experience for users to enjoy.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Dareu Mahjong or the KTT Orange, you can expect a premium typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials. While the top and bottom housings may differ for each switch, the qualities each material brings contribute to a unique sound profile and overall performance. Whether you prefer the smoothness and durability of the Mahjong's POK material or the sharper and crisper sound of the Orange's polycarbonate material, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the typing experience. In the end, both switches prioritize performance and sound quality to cater to the preferences of different users.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Orange linear switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mahjong's force is unknown while the Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mahjong switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Orange switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their subtle variations in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Mahjong has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant in terms of feel, but some users may notice a slightly quicker actuation with the Orange switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the specific feel and response desired during typing or gaming.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference, keycap choice, and keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Mahjong and KTT Orange linear switches offer a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like or elastic feedback when typing. The Mahjong switch also features a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground, while the Orange switch boasts a frictionless feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, both switches are polished, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch offers a poppy sound signature and a lively typing experience, the Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy yet frictionless feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style to achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Mahjong linear switch or the KTT Orange linear switch, you should keep in mind the characteristics that suit your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a distinctive color scheme, a poppy sound profile, and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy feel, slick and frictionless typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, then the Orange switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience. Consider trying out both switches to see which one resonates with you the most.
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