Dareu Mahjong vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Huano Sakura represent two appealing options for users seeking a linear experience. The Mahjong switches, notable for their vibrant green and white aesthetic, offer a lively, poppy sound signature accompanied by a bouncy and effortless typing experience, making them an enticing choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a responsive feel. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches are designed for comfort, featuring a feather-light touch that caters well to prolonged typing sessions, supported by medium acoustics that strike a balance between performance and noise level. While both switches have their merits—one emphasizing a joyful typing experience and the other prioritizing comfort during extended use—each caters to different preferences in tactile responsiveness and sound. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and Huano Sakura both utilize the same superior material, polyketone (POK), for their top housings. This similarity in material choice ensures both switches provide exceptional performance characteristics, including a slick coefficient of friction at 0.04, which promotes a highly smooth keystroke experience. With the durable properties of POK—exhibiting wear resistance 14 times greater than POM and enhanced shock resistance—both the Mahjong and Sakura offer sturdy and long-lasting switches that deliver a clacky sound profile. The shared use of this high-quality material means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and auditory experiences when engaging with either switch, making them both prime choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In contrast, the bottom housings for both the Mahjong and Sakura are constructed from nylon, a traditional material known for its sound absorption properties. Nylon's softer formulation contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. This feature is especially crucial since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a switch is pressed. Consequently, while both models maintain a consistent auditory quality due to their nylon bottom housings, users may perceive subtle differences in sound dynamics based on variations in switches or individual keyboard setups.
In summary, the combination of POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both the Dareu Mahjong and Huano Sakura deliver top-notch performance. The identical top housing material guarantees a consistent level of smoothness and durability, while the same bottom housing material lends both switches their rich sound profile. This uniformity across key components plays a vital role in ensuring that both switches are highly regarded in the mechanical keyboard community, as they provide a blend of tactile satisfaction and auditory pleasure to the user.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sakura switch is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams. This difference means that the Sakura switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, especially for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, the Mahjong's specific bottom out force is unknown, which limits a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, suggesting a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Sakura is the lighter option overall, it also offers a balanced resistance at the bottom. This makes the Sakura ideal for those seeking a lighter switch for long sessions, while the Mahjong may appeal to those who prefer a more robust tactile experience, assuming its bottom out force aligns similarly with its actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Mahjong offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura features a slightly longer distance at 3.6 mm. This difference may influence user experience significantly, as the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong allows for quicker key presses, appealing particularly to those who prioritize rapid response times, such as gamers. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who appreciate deeper key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether one favors the swift action of the Mahjong or the more pronounced feedback of the Sakura.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 switches present a lively and poppy auditory experience, providing a somewhat neutral sound profile that suits a diverse range of environments, making them versatile for both casual and serious typists. By contrast, the Huano Sakura switches are characterized by a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, enabling prolonged use without fatigue. The combination of these qualities suggests that while the Mahjong switches may be more vibrant and noticeable, the Sakura offers a subtler sound that could appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Given that the sound of each switch can also be impacted by the specific keyboard and keycaps used, both options can provide unique auditory experiences depending on their respective setups.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with a bouncy characteristic that delivers a spring-like feedback, allowing for an engaging typing experience. Additionally, they are described as mild and polished, contributing to a smooth key travel that reduces friction and enhances overall performance. This combination may appeal to those who appreciate tactile nuances while maintaining a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Sakura switches remains unspecified, leaving uncertain how they compare in terms of feedback and smoothness. However, the established responsive nature of the Mahjong switches means that if you're looking for a notable and lively feel during typing, the Mahjong is the clear choice.
Overall, if you prefer a switch that is lively and engaging both in sound and feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch would be the better option. Its bouncy, mild, and polished attributes, combined with its dynamic sound profile, create an appealing typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch may be an excellent choice if you prioritize a lighter touch and a more subdued acoustic footprint for extended typing sessions, though the exact feel variables remain unknown. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the choice will depend on whether you favor a vibrant or a more mellow keyboard interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch should be guided by your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lively, responsive typing experience with a unique sound signature, the Mahjong switch is an excellent choice. Its bouncy feel is perfect for those who enjoy a keypress that feels energizing and springy, making it ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch that minimizes finger fatigue during long hours of work or play, the Sakura switch shines with its feather-light actuation and medium acoustics. Its balanced design caters well to users seeking a gentler typing experience without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, so consider the feel and sound that resonate with you to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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