Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Smoothie Silver stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Dareu Mahjong, known for its distinctive green and white color scheme, offers a bouncy and mild typing experience with a polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is all-POM switch that provides a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch due to its short travel distance for quick actuation. The Mahjong switch excels in its lively and poppy sound signature, while the Smoothie Silver focuses on lightning-fast actuation. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that they both prioritize smoothness and durability. The Mahjong's POK top housing is known for its smoothness, with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY but still considered one of the smoothest materials available. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a smooth feel when typing and is praised for its durability. Both materials provide a satisfying typing experience with their smooth and durable qualities, making them top choices for switch housings.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The Mahjong's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a unique and pleasing sound, but leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While both bottom housings enhance the overall typing experience, the type of sound produced differs slightly between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a balance of impact on both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting materials like POK and POM for the top and bottom housings, respectively, both the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Smoothie Silver are able to deliver a unique typing experience that is smooth, durable, and acoustically pleasing.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is not listed, so it is unclear whether they differ in that regard. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of these switches as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making them ideal for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer a heavier switch that provides a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer a similar actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that they both offer the same keypress experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of key feel and responsiveness from both switches. However, it is worth noting that compared to switches with longer travel distances, such as some tactile switches, these linear switches may provide a more shallow keypress experience that some users may prefer for quicker typing or gaming. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dareu Mahjong or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch will depend on other factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall build quality.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and settings. With a lively and poppy sound signature, typing on these switches can be a pleasant and satisfying experience for many. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a thocky sound that is smooth and unique. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a distinct auditory experience with each of these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a bouncy typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Coupled with a mild typing feel, these switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mahjong switch contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch's specific feel characteristics are unknown, but with its all-POM construction and lightning-fast actuation, users can expect a responsive and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mahjong switch boasts a lively sound signature, bouncy feel, and polished finish, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its thocky sound, smoothness, and lightning-fast actuation. Depending on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired sound and feel when typing. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct and enjoyable typing experiences, even if the specifics of the Smoothie Silver are not fully detailed.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique typing experience with a lively sound signature and effortless typing, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch with its bouncy and polished feel might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch could be the ideal choice for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between the Mahjong and Smoothie Silver switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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