Dareu Mahjong vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Mahjong, known for its linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, known for its tactile switch. The Dareu Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature during typing. Described as 'bouncy', 'mild', 'neutral', and 'polished', this switch provides an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown lacks distinct features but is praised for its tactile feedback. While the Mahjong switch is ideal for those seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Crystal Brown switch may be preferred by those who appreciate tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Crystal Brown have unique housing materials, they also share similarities in their construction. The Mahjong's POK top housing offers exceptional smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, creating a clacky and long-lasting switch. In contrast, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and translucency for RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both top housings provide distinct sound characteristics to enhance the typing experience.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The Mahjong's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that complements its POK top housing. Similarly, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more muted sound compared to its polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a balanced typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent and satisfying sound profile during typing sessions.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Crystal Brown contributes to their unique typing feel and sound profiles. While the Mahjong excels in smoothness and durability with its POK top housing, the Crystal Brown stands out for its sharp and resonant sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer deeper and fuller sound profiles from their nylon bottom housings, creating a well-rounded typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and durable switch or a sharp and clear sound profile, both the Mahjong and the Crystal Brown deliver on their respective strengths to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we see that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Mahjong has an unknown bottom out force, while the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered to be medium-light. This means that the Crystal Brown requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Mahjong. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mahjong may be the better option as it lacks a bottom out force measurement. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Crystal Brown would provide a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, making the Mahjong a suitable choice for gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown may provide a more satisfying keystroke feel for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique benefits, and selecting the appropriate one will depend on individual needs and preferences.
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 Crystal 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes without being too loud or too quiet. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong linear switch offers a bouncy and lively typing experience with a mild and polished touch, providing a smooth and spring-like feedback when typing. This makes it a comfortable choice for most users looking for a balanced typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch.
Overall, based on the available information, it can be said that the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a lively sound signature, bouncy feel, and smooth key travel. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remain unknown, it is likely that it provides a different but equally satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a unique look, lively sound, and a bouncy, polished feel, then the Mahjong switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal Brown switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as typing speed, work environment, and tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your individual needs.
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