Dareu Mahjong vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Semi Mute. The Dareu Mahjong stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme and lively, poppy sound signature, offering an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute, despite its name, provides completely silent operation, perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. The Semi Mute switches feature a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, giving a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. While the Mahjong offers a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Semi Mute provides a buttery and muted feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Mahjong Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Semi Mute, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the bottom housing is made of nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. While the materials used in the housings differ between the two switches, they both prioritize sound quality and durability in their construction.

When it comes to the top housing, the POK material of the Mahjong offers a smooth and clacky typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute provides a sharper and more defined sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Semi Mute's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute maintains the crisp and clear sound profile associated with this material.

While there are differences in the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Semi Mute, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The use of POK in the Mahjong's top housing results in smooth and durable switches, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Semi Mute provide a sharp and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, as well as the visual appeal of the materials used in the housings.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we see that the Mahjong has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unknown, while the Semi Mute has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Mahjong may provide a smoother and easier typing experience due to its lighter actuation force, whereas the Semi Mute offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their benefits depending on personal preference, with the Mahjong being lighter and potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Semi Mute may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dareu Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Semi Mute. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong can offer a faster response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute may provide a more substantial keypress depth for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a muted sound, significantly quieter than regular switches, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Mahjong being more versatile and the Semi Mute offering a quieter typing experience overall.

Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively and spring-like feedback sensation while maintaining a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mahjong switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. In comparison, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a buttery feel, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Both switches provide comfortable and gratifying typing sensations, with the Mahjong offering a more lively and bouncy feel, while the Semi Mute provides a smoother and more uniform typing experience.

Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Mahjong switch excels in providing a poppy sound signature and a bouncy typing feel, suitable for those looking for a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch delivers a silent operation and a buttery typing feel, perfect for users who prioritize a noise-free environment and a smooth keystroke experience. Depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you value a unique, poppy sound signature and effortless typing with a bouncy, mild, and polished feel, then the Mahjong switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a noise-free environment with a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild feel, the Semi Mute switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what you prioritize in a keyboard switch – whether it be sound, feel, or both.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more