Dareu Mahjong vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two intriguing options that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme and are celebrated for their lively, poppy sound signature that transforms typing into an engaging experience. Offerings characterized as bouncy and polished, they provide a smooth and responsive feel that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) excels in delivering a refined typing experience with its neutral sound profile that resonates with that sought-after "thock" sound, appealing to enthusiasts who value acoustic feedback. The super smooth keystroke of the Sticky Rice, aided by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, ensures an enjoyable tactile sensation, making it a formidable contender for those prioritizing precision and performance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their performance and sound profiles. The Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, characterized by a low coefficient of friction (0.04) that provides a smooth feel during keystrokes. This material's durability is also noteworthy, exhibiting wear resistance far exceeding that of POM and superior shock resistance compared to nylon. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer smooth operation, the polyketone in the Mahjong leans towards a more clacky auditory feedback, whereas the polycarbonate lends itself to a resonant sound tailor-made for vibrant RGB lighting effects.
Both switches, however, share nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer texture inherently absorbs sound better than harder plastics, regardless of the top housing material. Thus, while the top housing of each switch varies, the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich auditory experience. This means that even if the overall sound characteristics differ due to the top housing materials, the fundamental acoustic properties of the switches will share common traits, leading to a satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the Dareu Mahjong and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) demonstrate how different top housing materials can lead to varied sound profiles while maintaining a unified foundation through their nylon bottom housings. The POK material offers a high durability and a clackier sound, while polycarbonate allows for a sharper resonance that can enhance visual effects. Together, the composition of each switch’s components ensures distinct experiences while sharing a core sonic quality derived from their identical nylon bottoms.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch present contrasting characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mahjong switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making the Sticky Rice more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly helpful during long typing or gaming sessions. However, the Mahjong switch's bottom out force is unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison with the Sticky Rice's bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a substantial feel at the bottom of the keystroke. Given these specifications, the Sticky Rice switch is the heavier option in terms of bottom out force, and it can be assumed that those who enjoy a more robust tactile experience may gravitate towards it. In summary, while the Mahjong switch offers a firmer actuation, the Sticky Rice (V2) balances a lighter actuation with a pronounced bottom out, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Mahjong is the shorter option by 0.1 mm, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times due to the shorter travel. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be favored by those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses, providing a more traditional feel at 4.0 mm. Ultimately, both switches serve different preferences; the Mahjong might be preferred by users seeking the quick actuation of a shorter distance, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is for those who prefer a more substantial keypress.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, each switch presents a unique auditory experience. The Mahjong switch features a lively and poppy sound signature, making it quite distinct and engaging during use. This vibrant sound can evoke a sense of enthusiasm while typing, which some users might find energizing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) showcases a more neutral sound profile, leaning towards the sought-after "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. This rounded tone provides a balanced auditory experience that can be more subdued, making it suitable for office environments or quieter settings. While both switches have their merits, the Mahjong excels in its lively character, whereas the Sticky Rice offers a refined, neutral sound that's pleasing in its own right.
The feel of these switches is another area where they differ significantly. The Mahjong switch is characterized by its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation that makes each keystroke feel animated and responsive. This quality, coupled with its mild typing experience, ensures that users find it approachable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, Mahjong switches deliver a polished feel, making for a smooth and refined typing experience; these are ideal for those who appreciate a slick keystroke. On the other hand, the feel description of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not provided, leaving some uncertainty in this area. However, it's essential to acknowledge that Everglide's reputation suggests substantial smoothness and performance, potentially aligning with the quality of feel users expect from high-end switches.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Mahjong offers a lively auditory experience with a bouncy and polished typing sensation, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate feedback and enthusiasm in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) may provide a more neutral sound profile with its potential smooth feel, appealing to users seeking a more understated yet refined typing experience. While the specifics of the Sticky Rice (V2) feel are unclear, both switches engage the user in distinct ways, ensuring that newcomers can find satisfaction in either option based on their personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch really hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and lively typing experience with a touch of bounce, the Mahjong switches would be ideal for you. Their poppy sound signature and smooth feel make them perfect for lighthearted gaming sessions or casual typing, providing a fun and approachable experience that won't tire you out over extended periods. On the other hand, if you prioritize a balanced and refined typing sensation with the “thock” sound that many enthusiasts crave, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. With a more subtle sound profile and a well-rounded feel, they cater to those who are looking for a higher level of performance without being overly aggressive. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in your keyboard usage—whether it is the spirited feedback of the Mahjong or the sophisticated smoothness of the Sticky Rice (V2).
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