Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Perky stand out as compelling options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Mahjong switches are celebrated for their vibrant green and white color scheme and distinctive sound profile, providing a lively, poppy auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. Their bouncy and mild characteristics make them a appealing choice for those who enjoy a dynamic feel while typing. Alternatively, the HMX Perky switches, featuring softer, glittery nylon housings, deliver a more neutral feel with a shorter travel distance, resulting in a deeply satisfying yet condensed typing experience. Their clacky, polished nature appeals to users who appreciate a refined tactile feedback. Both switches cater to specific stylistic preferences, whether one leans toward a lively and energetic experience or a smooth and quick response. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Perky, it is evident that they utilize different top housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and superior durability, making it one of the smoothest switch materials available. Its increased shock resistance compared to nylon allows it to perform well under repetitive use, contributing to an overall "smooth and clacky" sound when typing. The POK material's properties enhance the experience of rapid keystrokes, as it allows for precise and quick responses, making it an ideal choice for gaming or fast typing tasks.
In contrast, the HMX Perky employs a classic nylon top housing, which is known for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory feedback. This choice brings a different tactile experience, as the keystrokes may feel softer and more cushioned. This differentiation in top housings highlights the unique attributes each switch brings forth; while Mahjong's POK top optimizes speed and smoothness, the Perky’s nylon housing leans towards creating a more enriched auditory experience.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent sound and tactile response at the bottom-out point. This ensures that users of both keyboards will experience a deeper sound profile and softer bottoming out, regardless of the differing top materials. As a result, while the two switches may produce different auditory experiences during keystrokes due to their top housing materials, the overall sensation during bottoming out remains similar, delivering a comforting sound that many typists appreciate. Thus, while the top housings diverge in function and feel, the shared nylon bottom housing unifies the typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the actuation forces provide an interesting distinction. The Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Perky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This suggests that the Perky switch may be more suitable for extended typing sessions, as its lower weight could reduce fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown, while the Perky boasts a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier feel when fully depressed. This could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Perky is the lighter switch when it comes to actuation, but it provides a heavier tactile response upon bottoming out, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for force feedback in their typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, as both switches offer the same distance from the top to the bottom during a keypress. Therefore, regardless of which switch is used, the feel and responsiveness will be consistent, allowing for an equally satisfying interaction whether one prefers the Mahjong or the Perky switch.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 boasts a lively and poppy sound signature, providing an engaging experience with each keystroke. This characteristic contrasts with the HMX Perky, which produces a clacky sound, recognized for its sharp and snappy nature. The clacky quality of the Perky switches is crisp and bright, giving a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique sound profiles—one being more vibrant and the other more percussive—their acoustic characteristics will also depend on the keyboard configuration and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Mahjong switches are distinctly described as bouncy, providing users with a spring-like feedback that creates a lively typing experience. This is complemented by their mild characteristic, making them approachable for a variety of users. The switches also feature a polished finish that adds to their overall smoothness and reduces friction during key presses. On the other hand, the Perky switches lean towards a polished and silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth journey from press to release. While both switches offer a polished finish, the Perky's silky nature enhances the sensation of key travel, making each press feel exceptionally smooth.
In conclusion, when comparing the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Perky linear switches, we see distinct differences in sound and a few in feel, while they share similarities in their polished characteristics. The Mahjong offers a more vibrant auditory experience, while the Perky's clacky sound stands out for its sharpness. Feel-wise, the Mahjong's bounciness stands in contrast to the Perky's silky smoothness, but both provide enjoyable typing experiences thanks to their refined finishes. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose according to the tactile and auditory sensations they desire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy feel in your keystrokes, complemented by a poppy sound signature, the Mahjong switch would be an excellent choice. Its unique design and effortless typing experience make it appealing for those who appreciate a bit more character in their keyboard's feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral and condensed typing experience that offers a polished and silky feel, the HMX Perky switch is likely to suit your needs better. The Perky’s clacky sound adds a satisfying sharpness while providing a smooth travel distance, making it ideal for those who want a refined typing experience without the added bounce. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you seek a lively, engaging typing style or a smooth, polished one that feels effortlessly sleek.
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