Dareu Mahjong vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Outemu Ocean offer different experiences for users to consider. The Mahjong switch, known for its distinctive green and white color scheme, stands out with its lively and poppy sound signature, providing an effortless typing experience. Categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, this linear switch offers a smooth and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its reliable performance. Categorized as versatile and dependable, this switch provides a tactile bump that gives users feedback while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, offering a choice between a dynamic typing experience and a reliable feedback mechanism. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Ocean utilize high-quality materials in their housing components. The Mahjong boasts a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound profiles and is visually appealing due to its translucency. Although they differ in material, both contribute to creating a pleasant typing experience, with the Mahjong offering a smooth and clacky feel, while the Ocean produces a sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Mahjong and the Ocean use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the impact of these qualities differs between the two switches. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
While the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Ocean have different top housing materials, they both offer unique advantages to the overall typing experience. Whether it be the smoothness and durability of the POK material in the Mahjong or the sharper sound profile and visual appeal of the polycarbonate in the Ocean, each switch brings its own strengths to the table. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we can see that the Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which makes it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, the Mahjong would be considered the lighter option, which could be beneficial for those who prefer a softer typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Ocean's heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong. The Ocean's 4 mm distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the Mahjong's 3.4 mm distance is shorter and may provide a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you value a deeper key press, the Outemu Ocean switch may be the better option. However, if you prefer a faster response time, the Dareu Mahjong switch may be more suitable for your needs.
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 Ocean 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 Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing intents and purposes, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific sound description available. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Mahjong linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and lively sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, it offers a mild typing feel that is approachable to most users, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. As for the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is no specific information available regarding its tactile feel. It is important to note that the tactile sensation of a switch greatly impacts the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch provides a lively sound profile and bouncy feedback, the Ocean switch lacks specific information in these aspects. It is important for newcomers to consider their preferences in sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of performance, depending on personal preference and usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Mahjong linear switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle feel and a smooth key travel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Experimenting with different switches can help you find the one that feels perfect for your needs.
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