Dareu Mahjong vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Mahjong switch is renowned for its vibrant green and white color scheme, providing a unique aesthetic appeal. Described as 'bouncy', 'mild', 'neutral', and 'polished', these switches offer a lively and poppy sound signature along with a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is characterized by its clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Milk Blue switch lacks a specific standout feature like the Mahjong's color scheme, it delivers a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Milk Blue, we see that the Mahjong utilizes a POK top housing while the Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing. The POK material in the Mahjong offers a smooth and clacky typing experience, along with exceptional durability due to its wear resistance and shock resistance properties. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both materials offer unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience, with the choice between them depending on the desired sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Mahjong and the Milk Blue utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics, creating a more rounded sound when typing on switches. This consistency in the bottom housing material between the two switches indicates a preference for the characteristics nylon brings to the typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps to absorb sound and contribute to a more satisfying typing feel, showing the importance of this material in switch design.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Milk Blue differ in material, the qualities each material brings to the switch play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether POK or polycarbonate, influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through the careful selection of housing materials to achieve specific sound profiles and typing feels.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Mahjong switch may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch may be favored by those looking for a more substantial typing feel with a slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical switches, with 4.0mm being the most traditional and 3.0mm being the most shallow. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Dareu Mahjong a popular choice in that aspect. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance of the Outemu Milk Blue for a more satisfying key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Milk Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound profile is not specified, so it may offer a different typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch also depends on external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the Mahjong linear switch is known for its bouncy and mild characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback and a gentle typing experience. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. In contrast, details on the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are not provided, so it's hard to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch stands out for its lively and poppy sound signature, as well as its bouncy and polished feel. While information on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is limited in this context, it is essential to consider factors such as personal preference, intended use, and other components in your mechanical keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results if you are looking for a versatile switch with a moderate actuation force and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Mahjong switches may be the way to go. With their bouncy and polished feel, these switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a distinctive sound profile, the Milk Blue switches may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style.
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