Dareu Mahjong vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Silent Red. The Dareu Mahjong features unique green and white switches that offer a lively and poppy sound signature, making typing feel effortless. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile perfect for quieter environments like offices or shared living spaces. Both switches are categorized as 'Mild' and 'Polished,' but the Mahjong is described as 'Bouncy' while the Silent Red is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Muted.' These general characteristics make them suitable for different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Silent Red switches, it's evident that both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Mahjong boasts a POK top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky feel, while the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and is especially useful for RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures that users can expect a nice typing experience with a satisfying sound from both switches.
One significant difference between the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Silent Red lies in their top housing materials. The POK material used in the Mahjong provides exceptional smoothness and durability, while the polycarbonate material in the Silent Red offers a clearer and resonant sound profile, particularly suitable for RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound experience due to its softer nature that absorbs sound. While the top housing materials may differ in their characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a pleasing typing experience with a rich sound output regardless of the switch they choose.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Silent Red each bring unique qualities to the switches. The POK top housing in the Mahjong contributes to its smoothness and durability, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Red offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users can enjoy a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer the clacky feel of the Mahjong or the crisper sound profile of the Silent Red, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mahjong has an unknown value while the Silent Red comes in at a medium-heavy 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch requires a bit more force to fully press down compared to the Mahjong switch, which may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch's lighter bottom out force or unknown value may be preferred by those looking for a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force weights.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of comparison, the Mahjong offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it preferable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, but they cater to different preferences in terms of responsiveness and key feel. Overall, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a quicker response or a more deliberate keystroke.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various purposes, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience, ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can select based on their specific needs and preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback and a lively feel to the keys when pressed. Additionally, it offers a mild typing experience, suitable for most users, and features a polished finish for a smooth and refined keystroke. Similarly, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery feel, delivering a smooth and uniform typing sensation without any harsh feedback. It also provides a mild typing experience and has a polished finish for reduced friction and seamless key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch provides a neutral sound profile with a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile with a buttery and polished feel. Depending on whether users prioritize sound level or typing feel, they can select the switch that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and comfort, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Mahjong linear switch if you value a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and bouncy typing experience. These switches are best suited for those who enjoy a bit of pop in their typing and want a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, opt for the TTC Silent Red linear switch if you prefer a muted sound profile, buttery smooth typing experience, and a medium-heavy bottom out force. These switches are ideal for those looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience, especially in shared spaces like offices. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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