Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong, with its unique green and white color scheme and lively sound signature, stands out as a great choice for those seeking an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a silenced typing experience ideal for quieter environments, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Silent Ink Black switch is characterized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own advantages and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and requirements. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize proprietary materials for their top housings: the Mahjong with POK material and the Silent Ink Black with INK blend. While the POK material is described as smooth and durable, the INK blend offers a satisfying, clacky sound profile. However, the bottom housing material sets them apart, with the Mahjong using nylon for a deeper sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing also features the INK blend for a similar clacky sound experience. Overall, both switches focus on providing a premium sound and feel for users.
In terms of durability, the Mahjong's POK top housing boasts wear resistance that is significantly stronger than that of the Silent Ink Black's INK blend. Additionally, the shock resistance of the POK material surpasses that of the Nylon bottom housing used in the Mahjong, making it a more robust option. However, the sound profile of the switches differ, with the Mahjong offering a clacky and smooth typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black provides a thinner and higher-pitched sound. These distinct sound profiles cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience of the switches, it becomes clear that each material contributes to the sound and feel in unique ways. The Mahjong's combination of POK and nylon creates a balance of smoothness, durability, and deep sound, while the Silent Ink Black's use of proprietary INK blend material results in a thinner and higher-pitched typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and durability, as each housing material offers a different typing experience for mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black switch is heavier in both aspects. The Mahjong switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ink Black switch requires 60 grams to actuate. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch is not specified, while the Silent Ink Black switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mahjong switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for lighter or heavier typing forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mahjong offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast input feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness and key feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Dareu Mahjong would be the better option, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be ideal for a longer and more satisfying keypress experience.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various settings, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound to minimize noise in quieter environments. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound experiences, with the Mahjong offering a more lively and poppy sound, and the Silent Ink Black providing a softer and quieter typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired noise level in your typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, offering a spring-like feedback sensation, gentle typing experience, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is characterized as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and refined typing experience, with the Mahjong emphasizing a bouncier and more lively feel compared to the cushiony bottom-out experience of the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the feel of the switches will depend on individual preference for feedback and typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch excels in providing a lively and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on offering a more subdued and cushioned typing feel with a muted sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound level, typing sensation, and overall typing experience, you can achieve similar results in terms of switch performance and satisfaction with either of these switches. Choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your needs.
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