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Dareu Mahjong vs. Outemu Brown

An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Mahjong, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The Dareu Mahjong switches are highly regarded for their unique green and white color scheme, providing a visually striking addition to your keyboard. Known for their lively and poppy sound signature, these switches offer an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switches are favored for their tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump when pressed. While the Mahjong switches are characterized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, the Browns lack specific categorization. Deciding between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference; 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

53g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.20 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Brown switches, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite this difference, both switches rely on a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Therefore, while the top housings offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing in both switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.

One key difference between the two switches lies in the material of their top housings. The POK material used in the Mahjong switch provides a smooth and clacky feel, while the polycarbonate material in the Brown switch offers a higher-pitched and more resonant sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, as the choice between a smoother or crisper feel can be a matter of personal preference. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a durable and reliable option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, showcasing the importance of top housing materials in defining the switch's unique qualities.

Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Brown switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable typing experience, the Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound profile. However, both switches share the use of nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound overall. Whether you prefer a clacky and smooth feel or a crisper and sharper sound, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Dareu Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, ideal for those who prefer a softer touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch requires a higher actuation force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Outemu Brown has a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving users a medium-heavy feel when pressing the keys all the way down. While the specific bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong is unknown, it is likely to be lighter compared to the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mahjong switch provides a quicker and more responsive keystroke due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast response times. On the other hand, the Brown switch offers a deeper actuation point that some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches have their strengths depending on personal preference, with the Mahjong being the shorter option and the Brown being the longer option in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more satisfying keypress 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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch stands out for its lively, poppy sound signature, offering a unique typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or work. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Mahjong is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a mild typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. These characteristics make it a versatile option that appeals to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Brown switch is unknown, but it is crucial to consider how different factors such as actuation force and tactile feedback can affect the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a unique sound profile and a bouncy, mild, and polished feel that caters to a broad audience. While the Outemu Brown tactile switch may provide a different experience, it is essential to consider individual preferences and other factors when choosing between the two. Ultimately, both switches offer qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and selecting the right one will depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a lively, poppy sound signature, the Mahjong linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Brown tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.

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