Dareu Mahjong vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate toward the Dareu Mahjong and Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are prized linear switches but offer distinctly different experiences. The Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme and are celebrated for their lively, poppy sound signature, making typing feel both engaging and effortless. Additionally, their categorized traits of bounciness, mildness, and polish enhance the tactile feedback for users who enjoy a bit of responsiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, Huano's Strawberry Latte switches emphasize a super smooth experience, utilizing cutting-edge molds that contribute to a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While both switches cater to a linear switch preference, the Mahjong’s bounciness contrasts nicely with the refined smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, making each appealing for different reasons. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Mahjong and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize the same polyketone (POK) material for their top housings, highlighting some interesting similarities between the two switches. The POK material is known for its smoothness, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than some alternatives like LY, which has a coefficient of 0.03. This means that both switches benefitting from the same top housing material will have comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness, leading to a similarly clacky, smooth typing experience. Additionally, the impressive durability of POK, boasting wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon, implies that switches made from this material will likely endure extended use while maintaining consistent performance.
In contrast, both the Dareu Mahjong and the Huano Strawberry Latte share another commonality in their bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. The use of nylon imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic properties. This characteristic helps to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, allowing for a distinctly duller and rounder sound when typing. While both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, the nuances of how this material interacts with the top housing could influence the overall auditory experience. The familiar sound produced by both switches will likely resonate similarly, delivering a satisfying keystroke sound overall.
Together, the combination of POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing results in both the Dareu Mahjong and the Huano Strawberry Latte producing a well-rounded typing experience. While each switch may evoke a slightly different feel based on variations in their individual design and construction, the shared materials create a framework that ensures they will yield comparable results in sound and durability. Ultimately, users can anticipate a smooth, clacky typing experience with a rich auditory feedback, making both switches appealing choices for enthusiasts looking for high-quality mechanical switch options.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces while the bottom out force for the Mahjong remains unknown. The Mahjong requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively heavier compared to the Strawberry Latte, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Mahjong will provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's lighter actuation force may make it more suitable for those who type for extended periods, as it could reduce finger fatigue. While the bottom out force of the Mahjong is unknown, the Strawberry Latte's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar level of resistance when fully pressing down both switches, despite the difference in actuation force. Consequently, while both offers distinct experiences, the Mahjong is categorized as the heavier switch, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Mahjong switch, you'll experience a travel distance that is 0.2 mm shorter than that of the Strawberry Latte. Given that shorter travel distances tend to offer quicker response times, gamers may find the Mahjong switch to be more suitable for their needs. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Mahjong offering a more responsive experience and the Strawberry Latte delivering a fuller depth.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switches are known for their lively and poppy sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience that many find enjoyable while typing. This energetic quality makes them particularly appealing for those who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches feature a balanced sound profile - neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This neutrality provides a versatile auditory experience, suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches are affected by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but generally, users can expect engaging sounds from the Mahjong and a more moderate sound from the Strawberry Latte.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switches excel with a combination of bouncy, mild, and polished characteristics. The bouncy sensation offers a spring-like feedback that many typists may find delightful, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. The mild nature of the switches ensures that their overall typing quality remains accessible, with a balanced approach that is unlikely to overwhelm even new users. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel, enhancing the overall feel. Conversely, the specific feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches is not detailed here; thus, one cannot make a direct comparison based on their textural sensation or feedback without further information.
In summary, if you're seeking an engaging auditory experience with an interactive feel, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their lively sound and responsive bounce. The Huano Strawberry Latte switches promise a more balanced auditory profile, although specifics regarding their tactile feel remain unknown. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, the Mahjong definitely caters to those who enjoy a vibrant typing atmosphere, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more neutral approach that can suit various typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a switch that offers a bouncy, lively feel and a poppy sound signature, the Mahjong is an excellent choice. It provides an effortless typing experience that many typists enjoy, making it ideal for those who like an engaging and energetic key press. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more refined feel with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go. With an approachable 45-gram bottom-out force, it is perfect for users who prefer a more gentle yet fluid typing experience. In essence, if you want an invigorating typing sensation and a distinct auditory feedback, go for the Mahjong; if you prefer a plush and steady feel with a polished finish, opt for the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what aspects matter most to you before making your selection.
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