Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Poro are two noteworthy options that cater to different preferences while both falling under the linear switch category. The Dareu Mahjong switch stands out with its vibrant green and white aesthetic, offering a lively auditory experience characterized by a poppy sound signature. Described as bouncy, mild, and polished, these switches provide a unique typing experience that balances tactile feedback with ease. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch is lauded for its silky-smooth keystrokes and ultra-light actuation force, creating a seamless glide that makes typing feel almost effortless. With a clackier sound profile alongside its bouncy and creamy characteristics, it appeals to those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback in their typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, making them attractive based on individual preferences for tactile feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Poro switches showcase distinct characteristics that influence not only their performance but also the auditory and tactile experience they provide to users. The Dareu Mahjong utilizes a unique POK material for its top housing, offering exceptional durability and a smooth feel with a low coefficient of friction. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, renowned for its softer composition, which produces a fuller, deeper sound profile while absorbing more vibration. This signifies a noteworthy differentiation in sound characteristics; while the Mahjong is designed for a more clacky auditory feedback, the Poro’s nylon housings create a rounder and more subdued sound experience triggered by the inherent properties of the materials used.
Both the Mahjong and Poro feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which means they share similarities in the feel and sound during key presses. With nylon’s softer properties playing a crucial role, both switches will provide a cushioned bottom-out experience that emphasizes the deep, full sound that many typists enjoy. However, the POK material in the Mahjong's top housing introduces a contrasting element, with its superior shock resistance and wear capabilities enhancing the overall durability. While both housings hold nylon as a common denominator, the presence of POK in the Mahjong shifts the overall user experience slightly due to its smoother action, setting it apart in terms of performance under prolonged use.
Ultimately, the combined results of the materials used in both switches lead to a well-rounded performance but in slightly different ways. The sound profile and tactile feedback influenced by nylon is consistent across both models; however, the Mahjong’s unique top housing enhances its durability and smoothness, differentiating its feel from that of the HMX Poro. If users are looking for a switch that offers both sound and robustness, the Dareu Mahjong serves that purpose well, whereas the Poro appeals to those prioritizing auditory warmth and comfort. This intrinsic balance of characteristics in both designs offers enthusiasts an enjoyable typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an equal amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This consistency could provide users with a comparable typing experience in terms of triggering strokes, making both switches suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions, especially for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, a significant difference arises with the bottom out force: while the HMX Poro has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch is unknown. This discrepancy indicates that the Poro may provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to users who enjoy a heavier tactile experience. Based on the available information, the Mahjong is lighter since its bottom out force remains undetermined, while the Poro offers a slightly heavier typing experience with its 50-gram bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Mahjong stands out with a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Poro measures 3.7 mm. This difference highlights the contrasting preferences users might have based on their typing or gaming styles. The Mahjong, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel, is ideal for gamers who favor quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses without the feeling of a deep push. On the other hand, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Mahjong is the better option, while the Poro may be your pick if you enjoy a more pronounced depth in your key presses.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 switch produces a lively, poppy auditory signature that adds a vibrant character to typing. The sound is sharp and engaging, providing an enjoyable auditory feedback that enhances the overall user experience. Conversely, the HMX Poro switch is known for its clacky sound profile, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This clackiness offers a distinctly snappy auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Ultimately, while both switches provide an exciting auditory experience, the Mahjong leans towards a more playful pop while the Poro offers a sharper, more articulate clack.
When it comes to feel, both switches are characterized by a bouncy sensation, providing a pleasant spring-like feedback that rebounds nicely with each keystroke. The Mahjong switch has a mild touch that ensures a gentle typing experience, while also feeling polished due to its refined finish. This smoothness contributes to an effortless typing journey. On the other hand, the Poro offers a creamy texture that enhances its luxurious feel, as well as a feathery lightness making it exceedingly comfortable for extended use. While both switches allow for an enjoyable typing experience, the Mahjong’s mildness and polished feel contrast with the Poro’s creamy and feathery qualities, appealing to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Poro linear switches offer unique strengths that cater to diverse typing experiences. The Mahjong's lively sound and mild, polished feel create an engaging and approachable typing environment. Meanwhile, the Poro delivers a distinctively clacky sound paired with a creamy and feathery touch, making it ideal for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback and luxurious key travel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, though the nuances between them will affect individual enjoyment and performance in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, your decision should primarily hinge on your typing preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you cherish a lively typing experience with a unique sound profile and appreciate a bouncy and polished feel, the Mahjong switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its distinctive design and mild characteristics offer an approachable yet engaging typing experience, making it suitable for both casual use and more serious work. On the other hand, if you're looking for silky smooth keystrokes with an ultra-light actuation force that offers a satisfying clack, the HMX Poro switch might be more aligned with your needs. Its creamy and feathery feel reduces finger fatigue, making it excellent for extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Ultimately, consider what qualities matter most to you — whether it’s the vibrant sound and feel of the Mahjong or the effortless glide of the Poro — to find the switch that perfectly matches your typing style and preferences.
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