Dareu Mahjong vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Haimu Orange Sea offer two distinct yet appealing options for typing enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Mahjong switches are celebrated for their vibrant green and white color scheme, producing a lively, poppy sound signature that makes every keystroke feel energetic and engaging. Their characteristics—bouncy, mild, and polished—contribute to a typing experience that feels both effortless and responsive. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an impeccably smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature, categorized as accented and invigorating, which is perfect for users who prefer a subtler, more refined keystroke. While the Mahjong switches may cater to those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback and a lively typing experience, the Orange Sea switches are ideal for individuals seeking a serene and fluid typing atmosphere. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and Haimu Orange Sea switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute uniquely to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Mahjong utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, which is celebrated for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and remarkable strength. With a wear resistance 14 times greater than POM and a shock resistance that surpasses Nylon and POM, the POK material promotes a smooth, clacky, and durable typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea opts for polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate's translucency further enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a visually striking option, although it does not possess the same level of wear resistance as polyketone.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Mahjong and Orange Sea utilize nylon, a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing properties. The use of nylon in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, significantly influencing the typing experience. Because nylon is softer than the other materials used in top housings, it contributes to a more muted and rounded sound when the keys bottom out. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches exhibit a comparable acoustic quality during key presses, allowing for a cohesive bottom-out experience.
When considering the overall effect of using these differing top housing materials alongside the same bottom housing, one can anticipate distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While the Mahjong likely delivers a smooth and somewhat clacky sound due to its POK top housing, the Orange Sea provides a clearer and more resonant tone from its polycarbonate top. However, the shared nylon bottom maintains a familiar sound experience for both, making the contrast between the top materials all the more pronounced. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes the durability and smoothness of the POK or the sharpness and aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate, while both switches promise a rich bottom-out sound thanks to the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Orange Sea switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Orange Sea requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Mahjong offers a heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have an unspecified bottom out force for the Mahjong, so we cannot draw a direct comparison there. However, the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which aligns with its actuation force, indicating a consistent resistance felt during use. Overall, if you favor a lighter touch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option, while those who prefer a firmer feel may gravitate towards the Dareu Mahjong.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the differences are clear. The Dareu Mahjong has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive keypress, ideal for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Conversely, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, as it provides a bit more depth in each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus key 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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong switches produce a lively, poppy sound signature that adds an engaging element to the typing experience. This energetic auditory feedback can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing and gaming, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches have a neutral sound signature that tends not to draw attention to itself. This quality makes it versatile, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience that can appeal to users who prefer quieter environments. Nevertheless, sound perception is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and mic settings, which can alter how these switches are experienced in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switches excel in providing a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback that makes each keypress feel lively and responsive. Additionally, they are characterized by a mild nature, offering an approachable typing experience that balances sound and feel without overwhelming the user. The polished finish enhances the smoothness of each keypress, allowing for minimal friction and a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an invigorating typing sensation with medium tactile feedback. They’re designed to offer pronounced feedback that enhances engagement while maintaining a snappy and reactive feel, making each keypress feel rewarding.
Overall, while the Dareu Mahjong and Haimu Orange Sea switches differ in their sound profiles—with the former being lively and the latter neutral—they both cater to unique preferences. The Mahjong switches focus on providing an energetic feel with their bouncy and polished qualities, suited for dynamic typing or gaming. In contrast, the Orange Sea switches offer a smooth experience with inviting tactility, ideal for those who enjoy pronounced but not overwhelming feedback. Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual preferences in sound and tactile feel, as well as the specific use case of your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your preferences and typing style will heavily influence your choice. If you prefer a lively and engaging typing experience, the Mahjong switches might be the way to go. Their bouncy feel and polished finish create a fun and energetic atmosphere that enhances typing pleasure, especially for casual users and those who enjoy a more dynamic sound signature. The Mahjong's mild characteristics make it suitable for those who want a balance between responsiveness and approachability, giving it a broad appeal. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, more refined typing experience with a neutral sound, the Orange Sea switches are an excellent option. Their impeccably smooth feel and invigorating feedback cater to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory environment while still enjoying responsive key presses. The lighter bottom-out force of the Orange Sea makes it especially appealing for long typing sessions, as it requires less exertion. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lively and bouncy experience with pronounced auditory feedback or a smooth and neutral feel conducive to extended typing comfort.
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