Dareu Mahjong vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Mahjong, known for its distinctive green and white color scheme and lively sound signature, and the KTT Strawberry, loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. The Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, offering an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing reliable performance. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Strawberry, one notable difference is in the top housing material used. The Mahjong employs POK material, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky switch feel. In contrast, the Strawberry uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique qualities, POK is favored for its smoothness and durability, while polycarbonate stands out for its sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials of these two switches reveals another interesting comparison. The Mahjong utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. On the other hand, the Strawberry opts for polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound experience. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings have an impact on the sound and feel of the switches, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right material for a desired typing experience.
In terms of overall performance, the housing materials of both the Dareu Mahjong and the KTT Strawberry play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Mahjong offers a blend of smoothness and durability with its POK top housing and softer nylon bottom housing, the Strawberry excels in providing a sharper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate housings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch with 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Mahjong is unknown while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Mahjong may have a lighter feel overall, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, but it is unclear how much force is needed to bottom out. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and whether a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force is desired.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Strawberry's 4 mm. The shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mahjong may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter distances are considered more favorable for quick actions. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key response and feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to varying preferences within the keyboard community.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or more experienced typists. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on the user's preferences and the setup of their keyboard, both switches can deliver pleasant auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation when pressed, as well as offering a mild and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is characterized by its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Mahjong having a livelier feel and the Strawberry offering a more refined and fluid sensation.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches strive to offer a rewarding typing experience. The Mahjong excels in providing a lively sound signature and bounce-back feel, while the Strawberry focuses on smooth actuation and a buttery texture. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can deliver satisfying results, ensuring that users can find a switch that caters to their individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Mahjong linear switch or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you'll want to take into account the specific qualities each switch offers. If you're looking for a switch with a unique design, lively sound signature, and a bouncy typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and design when selecting between these two linear switches.
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