Dareu Mahjong vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Piano, both being linear switches. The Dareu Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano boasts a proprietary material blend that provides a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound. The Mahjong switch is categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, polished, while the Piano switch falls under bassy, frictionless, silky. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. However, let's delve 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Piano both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Mahjong featuring POK top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary blend of POM for both the top and bottom housing. The POK material in the Mahjong switch is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a clacky and reliable typing experience. On the other hand, the POM blend in the Piano switch offers a deep and satisfying sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are unknown.
While the Mahjong switch splits the qualities of its housing materials between the top and bottom, with the nylon bottom contributing to a deeper sound profile and the POK top adding durability and smoothness, the Piano switch benefits from the consistent use of the POM blend throughout. This could potentially result in a more cohesive typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound profile across the entire switch. However, the specific advantages of the POM blend in the Piano switch compared to the POK and nylon materials in the Mahjong switch are not explicitly outlined, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of their housing materials.
Overall, both the Dareu Mahjong and the Durock Piano offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a unique typing experience. While the Mahjong switch utilizes a combination of POK and nylon for its top and bottom housing, respectively, the Piano switch relies on a proprietary blend of POM for both components. In terms of sound profile and typing feel, the POK and nylon materials in the Mahjong switch may provide a different experience compared to the POM blend in the Piano switch, but ultimately both switches aim to deliver smooth, durable, and satisfying typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, while the Piano's actuation force remains unknown. On the other hand, the Mahjong does not specify a bottom out force, while the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the ease of triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the amount of pressure required to press a key all the way down. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mahjong, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Piano. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, which is shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The Mahjong may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while the Piano might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer different experiences due to their travel distances, with the Mahjong providing a quicker typing experience and the Piano providing a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that suits a wide range of users and purposes, providing a moderate actuation force and sound level. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches, so it's important to consider all factors when selecting a switch based on sound preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Mahjong is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, offering a lively feedback sensation with smooth and refined key travel. This creates a typing experience that is approachable and comfortable for most users, striking a balance between tactile feedback and smoothness. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is characterized as frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Users who prioritize smoothness and fluidity in their typing experience may prefer the Durock Piano switch over the Dareu Mahjong.
Overall, both the Dareu Mahjong and Durock Piano linear switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Mahjong switch provides a neutral sound and a bouncy, mild feel with a polished finish, the Piano switch delivers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky feel for a deep and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that aligns with their preferences and enhances their typing experience on their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider the unique characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a switch with a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and gliding push feel with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Piano switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the Mahjong is best suited for those looking for a bouncy and polished typing experience, while the Piano is ideal for individuals seeking a frictionless and silky smooth typing sensation. Consider your personal preferences in sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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