Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound. The Dareu Mahjong switches, dressed in their distinctive green and white color scheme, are celebrated for their lively and poppy sound signature, providing an effortless typing experience that appeals to those who value a bouncy and polished feel. These characteristics make the Mahjong an attractive option for typists and gamers alike who appreciate a tactile response without the extra noise. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches, also known as the Duck Duck switch, are revered for their perfect blend of materials, which delivers a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, thanks in part to HMX’s renowned factory lube. This makes the Sunset Gleam an excellent choice for those seeking a muted yet high-quality auditory experience with a smooth linear motion. Each switch brings its own unique advantages, but 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in both the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Sunset Gleam switches present distinct characteristics that influence sound and feel, showcasing the unique attributes of each design. The Mahjong's top housing is constructed from POK, a polyketone material known for its low coefficient of friction, impressive durability, and enhanced shock resistance compared to alternative plastics like Nylon and POM. This quality contributes to a smooth, clacky feel when typing, appealing to users who prefer a responsive switch. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam incorporates polycarbonate in its top housing, which offers a stiffer structure that enhances sound clarity and resonance. This material choice results in sharper, higher-pitched acoustic feedback, making it ideal for users who favor a more articulate and vibrant typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, both switches utilize nylon, a classic material celebrated for its sound-absorbing qualities. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a warmer typing experience. Despite the differing top housing materials, the similar nylon bottom housing in both the Mahjong and Sunset Gleam results in an overlapping acoustic signature. This consistency implies that while each switch boasts unique top sounds—smooth clackiness from POK versus a crisper tone from polycarbonate—the bottom-out experience is harmoniously comparable due to the shared softness and sound absorption capabilities of nylon.
Ultimately, each switch’s overall sound and feel are shaped by the combination of its housing materials. The Mahjong’s POK top housing enhances smoothness, while the nylon bottom housing deepens the sound profile, leading to a well-rounded switch experience. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam’s polycarbonate top casing introduces clarity and brightness, balanced by the nylon’s absorbing attributes below. Users can expect a complex auditory experience with both options, resulting in similar "bottom-out" sounds and tactile feedback, while also appreciating the distinct tonal differences during key releases. Therefore, regardless of which switch one chooses, the combination of housing materials will yield satisfying results tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making the Sunset Gleam the lighter option overall. In terms of bottom out force, the Sunset Gleam has a specified bottom out force of 48 grams, while the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown. This means that the Sunset Gleam provides a clear indication of the tactile feedback experienced when bottoming out, while the Mahjong switch does not provide that measurement, leaving its bottom out experience more ambiguous. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better choice; however, for those who favor a firmer feel, the Mahjong may still be appealing despite its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Mahjong has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This means that the Mahjong offers a marginally shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, which can be more satisfying for those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two can come down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, both offer distinctive auditory experiences but come from slightly different realms. The Mahjong switch is known for its lively, poppy sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing, making it enjoyable for both casual and seasoned users alike. In contrast, while the exact sound characteristics of the Sunset Gleam aren't explicitly defined, it is noted for producing a subtle top-out and satisfying clack—attributes that suggest a refined auditory experience that complements its build quality. Despite the differences, both switches cater to users looking for a pleasant typing sound, albeit through differing tonal expressions.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch showcases a remarkable combination of bounciness, mildness, and polish. The bouncy nature delivers a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with an engaging rebound upon key press. Additionally, the mild characteristics make it approachable, particularly for those who may be newer to mechanical keyboards, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the HMX Sunset Gleam does not have a detailed description of its feel qualities, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis. However, given that it is manufactured by HMX and known for excellent factory lube, one can infer that it likely possesses a smooth and refined feel that users typically appreciate in high-quality switches.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches both excel in offering enjoyable typing experiences, they shine in different aspects. The Mahjong impresses with its lively sound and bouncy, polished feel, making it a solid choice for users seeking engagement and satisfaction in their typing. The Sunset Gleam, while its specifics remain somewhat unspecified, promises a well-refined performance thanks to its material composition and lube application. Users will find that both switches cater to a broad audience and can offer similarly positive experiences, though each brings its unique flair to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a lively and poppy experience with a bouncy feel and a particularly smooth action, the Mahjong switch is an excellent choice. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of personality in their typing experience, as it offers a neutral sound profile that suits both home and office environments without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle but satisfying typing experience, the Sunset Gleam is worth considering. With its lightweight bottom-out force of 48 grams and excellent factory lube, it provides a refined touch that balances actuation and sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a polished feel with a gentle clack. In the end, your decision may hinge on whether you prioritize a lively feedback and unique aesthetic with the Mahjong or the refined and smooth operation of the Sunset Gleam. Whichever switch you choose, both options enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly.
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