Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct options tailored for different typing experiences. The Mahjong switch stands out with its vibrant green and white color scheme, delivering a lively, poppy sound signature that provides an enjoyable tactile feedback. Its "bouncy" and "polished" characteristics result in an effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory response while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a quieter, more serene environment, mimicking the soft sound of raindrops. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43 grams, this switch caters to light typists who prefer a subtle, whisper-quiet experience without sacrificing performance. While the Mahjong offers a dynamic and engaging feel, the Silent Sakura focuses on creating a peaceful atmosphere for concentration. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housings of the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, distinct material choices result in varying auditory experiences. The Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With a low coefficient of friction and superb resistance to wear and shocks, this material contributes to a clacky sound suitable for those seeking responsive switches. Conversely, the Silent Sakura opts for a classic nylon top housing, which, while softer, absorbs more sound to produce a deeper and rounder auditory profile. This fundamental difference in material dynamics showcases how POK's strength and smoothness contrast with nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, thus appealing to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound.
On the other hand, examining the bottom housings reveals some similarities, yet also highlights further distinctions. Both the Mahjong and Silent Sakura utilize nylon in their respective bottom housings, providing a consistent sound experience attributed to the inherent properties of nylon. This material is adept at creating a richer and fuller sound profile from the switch, contributing to a similar auditory quality when the keys are bottomed out. However, the Silent Sakura incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and more resonant sound. The rigid characteristics of polycarbonate may enhance clarity and precision in sound delivery; hence, the bottoming action will yield a different feel and auditory feedback compared to the Mahjong’s fully nylon construction.
Ultimately, the overall performance of a switch will reflect a combination of the qualities derived from both the top and bottom housings. Given that the Mahjong features a POK top housing paired with a nylon bottom, the resultant combination leans towards smoothness and durability with a clacky sound. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura presents a softer top housing dynamic paired with a polycarbonate bottom, yielding a unique sound profile that emphasizes clarity. While both switches can offer satisfying typing experiences, the variance in housing materials plays a critical role in shaping the tactile feedback and sound, appealing to keyboard enthusiasts depending on their personal preferences. Thus, even with similarities present in the nylon bottom risks, the specific auditory character and feel of each switch form will deliver distinct results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The Mahjong switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the Silent Sakura's actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Mahjong switch requires more effort to trigger a keystroke, potentially offering a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch remains unknown, whereas the Silent Sakura switch has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating that users will feel a light resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Thus, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter option overall—thanks to its lower actuation force—it also provides a consistent feel with its measurable bottom out force. In contrast, the Mahjong may offer a different tactile experience, especially for those who enjoy a heavier switch. Overall, those who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Silent Sakura, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might prefer the Mahjong linear switch.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a greater travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Mahjong switch the shorter option and the Silent Sakura the longer one. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Mahjong, can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times during gameplay. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced keystroke, providing a sense of depth while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences—those favoring quickness may opt for the Mahjong, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press may find the Silent Sakura more suitable.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a lively and poppy sound profile, which adds an energetic character to typing and makes it engaging for users. This upbeat audio feedback might appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere while they type. Contrasting with the Mahjong, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle sound of rain tapping against a window. This provides a significantly subdued auditory experience that is perfect for users in shared or quiet environments, emphasizing tranquility over expressiveness.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Mahjong stands out with its bouncy and polished characteristics, providing an elastic feedback sensation that users find satisfying. The lively rebound enhances the typing experience, making it enjoyable and responsive. Additionally, the mild nature of these switches makes them approachable for both new and experienced typists alike, ensuring a comfortable experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is less clearly defined, as specific qualities have not been provided. However, the ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g indicates a switch that is designed for ease of actuation, appealing to typists seeking a light and effortless keystroke.
In summary, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Mahjong enlivens typing with its bouncy feedback and lively sound, making it an energetic choice, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes a serene and gentle experience, perfect for quieter environments. While each switch offers a unique character, both can still provide an enjoyable typing experience, depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a bouncy, lively feel with a poppy sound signature that brings a bit of character to your typing experience, the Mahjong switch is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for users who want a switch that is both approachable and enjoyable, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned typist. On the other hand, if you find yourself in quieter settings—perhaps working in an office or sharing a space with others—the Silent Sakura - 43g brings the benefit of a whisper-quiet operation. Its lighter bottom-out force of just 43 grams makes it ideal for lighter typists who prefer a subtle, serene typing experience without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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