Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider the unique attributes that can elevate your typing experience. The Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, delivering a lively and poppy sound signature that appeals to gamers and typists alike. Their bouncy and polished feel ensures an effortless typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a responsive and engaging keyboard. In contrast, the HMX SU switches feature a robust PA12 housing and a T5 stem, producing a subtle yet deep sound profile that offers a more subdued auditory experience. While the SU switches may attract users looking for stability and reliability, the Mahjong's playful character may appeal to those seeking a more dynamic response. Both switches have their strengths, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX SU, we find a distinct contrast in their top housings, with the Mahjong utilizing POK (polyketone) while the HMX SU features nylon. The POK material is notably smooth, exhibiting a lower coefficient of friction (0.04) than the nylon top housing (0.03). This characteristic contributes to a smoother typing experience, aligning with the Mahjong's goal of providing a tactile yet clacky feel. In contrast, the HMX SU’s nylon top housing, although a classic choice, tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively. Consequently, while both housings aim to enhance the user's typing experience, they approach this objective from different angles in terms of smoothness and sound profile.
The bottom housings of both the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX SU utilize nylon, creating a sense of similarity in their performance. Nylon's inherent properties result in a deeper, rounder sound when typing, providing a consistent auditory feedback that would be recognizable to users of either switch. This common material means that, regardless of the top housing differences, both switches would offer a familiar sound experience when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing serves to dampen the impact sound, further contributing to a pleasant typing feel that some users may prefer, and this shared characteristic ensures that a resemblance in auditory feedback exists between the two switches.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials lead to unique characteristics for both the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX SU; however, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a point of convergence in their sound profiles. Users pressing down on either switch will experience the durable and sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, making the bottom-out sound and feel consistent across both models. On the other hand, the release sounds will vary, with the Mahjong offering a smoother, more clacky tone while the HMX SU delivers a softer, fuller sound. Therefore, while users can enjoy comparable experiences in terms of housing material for the bottom, the overall sound and tactile sensations will still differ, showcasing the complexity and nuanced nature of mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, thus offering a similar typing experience in terms of actuation. However, while the HMX SU switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown. Given this information, we cannot establish a direct comparison for bottoming out. Based on their known specifications, we can conclude that both switches require the same force to actuate, but the SU is slightly heavier when it comes to the bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch may be more appealing. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing will likely find the HMX SU switch more to their liking due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's clear that the Mahjong offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SU measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter option and the SU the longer one. As a result, users who prefer quicker response times for gaming may find the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mahjong to be advantageous. Conversely, those who seek a more deliberate feel with a hearty depth in their key presses might lean towards the HMX SU switch due to its 3.6 mm travel distance, which offers a slightly more substantial experience. Both switches reflect the trend towards shorter travel distances in gaming, but the difference of 0.2 mm suggests that users will experience distinct tactile sensations when using each switch.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 linear switch presents a lively and poppy sound signature, making it quite distinctive and enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile that suits a broad spectrum of environments, whether at home or in a work setting, appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike. The combination of its robust yet moderate sound elements contributes to a typing experience that is satisfying without being too obtrusive. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch offers a subtle, relatively deep sound profile compared to the Mahjong. The full PA12 housing likely influences this characteristic, though the specific nuances are less explicitly defined. Overall, there's a clear contrast in sound between the two, with the Mahjong being more lively and the SU more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switch excels with its bouncy, mild, and polished attributes. It provides a spring-like feedback that enhances tactile engagement, resulting in a lively and energetic typing experience. The gentle handling paired with the polished finish ensures smooth key travel, making every keystroke feel refined and satisfying. These qualities make the Mahjong accessible and pleasant for various typing tasks. Conversely, information about the feel of the HMX SU linear switch is not provided, which leaves a gap in understanding how its tactile characteristics compare. As a result, if you seek a specific typing sensation with the SU switch, you may want to explore user experiences or reviews to get a better idea of its tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Mahjong and HMX SU linear switches cater to the linear switch preference, they diverge significantly in their sound profiles. The Mahjong's lively and poppy sound paired with its bouncy and polished feel makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the SU's subtle, deep sound remains somewhat enigmatic without further detail on its feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize an enjoyable auditory experience alongside a responsive typing sensation, the Mahjong may be the more fitting option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when determining which switch to choose between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively, poppy sound profile that enhances your typing experience with a playful touch, the Mahjong switch is an excellent choice. Its bouncy feel and polished finish provide a dynamic rebound with each keystroke, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate an engaging typing experience, whether at home or work. Additionally, the neutral sound signature makes it versatile for various environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more refined and subdued typing experience, the HMX SU may be the better option, especially if you prefer the stability of a bottoming-out force at 50 grams. This switch's deeper sound profile and robust construction make it a great selection for users who prioritize durability and a sense of tactile grounding while typing. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you crave an energetic and responsive feel versus a more understated and anchored typing experience.
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