Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences, even as linear switches. The Mahjong switches are characterized by their vibrant green and white aesthetics, and they provide a lively, poppy sound signature that can make typing feel engaging and spirited. They are marked as 'bouncy', 'mild', 'neutral', and 'polished', making them an inviting choice for those who appreciate a dynamic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its medium weight and premium all-POM construction, delivering a satisfying thocky sound profile that prioritizes smoothness in every keystroke, which may be particularly appealing for users who prioritize a soft and quiet typing experience. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Mahjong's lively feedback contrasts with the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness, giving users a lot to consider. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the differences in their top housings present a nuanced understanding of their performance characteristics. The Mahjong features a top housing made from POK (polyketone) material, known for its remarkably low friction coefficient of 0.04, which ensures a very smooth actuation feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top housing. While POM is also regarded for its durability, its slightly higher friction coefficient of 0.03 suggests that the Mahjong's POK material offers a marginally smoother experience. Nevertheless, both materials ensure a satisfying tactile feedback, albeit in slightly different sound profiles when keys are released. Thus, while gamers and typists may find the subtle variances in sound and feel based on housing material, both switches promise a high level of performance.
On the bottom housing front, both the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize nylon and POM, respectively, which significantly influence the overall auditory and tactile experience of each switch. The Mahjong’s nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is soft and muted when typing. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, while also providing a deeper sound, has its unique acoustic character fused with the hard properties of POM, leading to a distinctly pleasing sound unique to its design. Despite utilizing different materials for the bottom housing, the final sound profiles of the switches may feel similarly muted yet satisfyingly resonant both during engagement and bottoming out due to their design intent.
Overall, when it comes to achieving desirable switch characteristics, both the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie manifest their individual strengths through their housing materials. Although the Mahjong's POK top housing emphasizes smoothness and a slightly crisper release sound, paired with its nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound effectively, the Sea Salt Smoothie effectively utilizes POM across both top and bottom housings for a consistent and muted auditory experience. Users looking for a switch that exudes durability, sound depth, and tactile feel will find satisfaction in either option, as the variance in material helps balance their unique qualities and contributes to an ideal typing or gaming experience.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This makes the Mahjong switch the lighter option, potentially offering a more comfortable typing experience for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, making it difficult to compare their performance fully in that regard. However, with the Mahjong's lighter actuation force, it may be more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous keystroke, while the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its heavier actuation, might appeal to users seeking a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, if bottom out forces were comparable, users could expect similar results in terms of feedback during use, but the difference in actuation force remains a key factor in their preference.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm suggests that the Mahjong will provide a quicker response time, making it a better choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency in their key presses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer that extra depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you favor a nimble and responsive experience, the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong is ideal; however, if you enjoy a more traditional and hearty feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the more suitable option.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switch has a lively and poppy sound signature, which offers a neutral profile that appeals to a wide range of users. This means that whether you're typing at home or in an office setting, the switch produces a balanced auditory experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a thocky sound profile that emphasizes a deeper tone, likely making it more satisfying to those who prefer a richer auditory feedback while typing. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience can greatly depend on the board and keycaps utilized, potentially leading to similar results in perceived sound with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Mahjong switches are known for their bouncy, mild, and polished characteristics. This combination results in a typing experience that is not only springy but also gentle, providing an enjoyable and smooth interaction with each keystroke. The polished feel of the switches ensures reduced friction for a seamless typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate refined mechanics. Unfortunately, the feel description for the Sea Salt Smoothie is absent, making a direct comparison difficult; hence its tactile quality remains unknown, though it's reasonable to expect it maintains a level of smoothness characteristic of high-quality POM switches.
Overall, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles—the lively pop of the Mahjong contrasted by the thocky depth of the Sea Salt Smoothie—the feel of the Dareu Mahjong is vividly described and showcases an engaging experience. As for the Sea Salt Smoothie, the lack of detailed information regarding its feel leaves room for speculation. Still, potential buyers can expect high-quality performance from both options, each catering to different auditory preferences, and the physical touch experience will ultimately depend on personal inclination.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy typing experience that offers an energetic feel and sound, the Mahjong would be a fantastic option. Its neutral sound profile and its polished finish make it suitable for both quiet settings and more dynamic environments, allowing you to switch seamlessly between various use cases. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes exceptional smoothness paired with a satisfying thocky sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely your best bet. Its medium weight and smooth key travel make it ideal for long typing sessions while still delivering a premium feel without breaking the bank. Ultimately, consider your priorities—whether you lean towards a more responsive and lively feel with the Mahjong or the plush smoothness and deep sound of the Sea Salt Smoothie—and choose accordingly.
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