Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Twilight stand out as two excellent linear options, each offering unique characteristics suited to different typing preferences. The Mahjong switches, easily recognizable with their vibrant green and white color scheme, provide a lively and poppy sound signature that enhances the typing experience, alongside a bouncy, polished feel. This makes them a great choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a lively atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which not only lends itself to a quieter operation but also maintains the subtly clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. This switch is ideal for those who favor a smooth typing feel with less auditory distraction. Both switches cater to distinct user experiences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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
The Dareu Mahjong and HMX Twilight differ significantly in terms of their top housing materials. The Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is noted for its remarkably low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This characteristic makes it one of the smoothest materials on the market, allowing for a seamless typing experience. In addition, POK boasts exceptional durability, being 14 times stronger in wear resistance than POM and surpassing Nylon in shock resistance by 2.3 times. In contrast, the Twilight's top housing is made from nylon, a classic choice that tends to produce a softer and less abrasive feel. While nylon does provide a deeper, fuller sound profile, it lacks the smooth gliding action of POK, resulting in keypresses that feel distinctly different.
When evaluating the bottom housings of both switches, we find that both the Mahjong and Twilight utilize nylon. This shared material in their bottom housings allows them to deliver a consistent sound profile characterized by a deeper and rounder tonal quality. Both feature nylon's inherent sound-absorbing properties, which contribute to a more muted auditory experience when typing. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing material, the bottom housings will yield a compatible acoustic signature that enhances the overall typing experience with a warm resonance.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the combination of the Mahjong's POK top housing and nylon bottom housing can yield a typing experience that is both smooth and sonorous. While the POK top contributes a slick and tactile experience upon key release, the nylon bottoms ensure that the keystrokes sound full and rich. In contrast, the HMX Twilight benefits from uniform nylon construction, which delivers a consistent feel and sound through its entirety. Thus, while both provide unique attributes, the Mahjong’s blend of POK and nylon achieves a distinct balance of smoothness and sound quality, whereas the Twilight offers a more uniform acoustic response throughout.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit differing actuation forces and bottom out forces, which cater to various typing preferences. The Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Twilight switch is slightly lighter at 42 grams. This makes the Twilight a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it easier to type for extended periods or during lengthy gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unavailable, leaving an incomplete picture in terms of its resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a tactile sensation for users who appreciate a substantial feedback upon bottoming out. This indicates that while the Twilight is the lighter switch in terms of actuation, it ultimately provides a heavier experience at full depression compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Mahjong. Therefore, users seeking a lighter actuation may lean towards the Twilight, while those who prefer a potentially heavier feedback should consider the Mahjong switch, pending knowledge of its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Dareu Mahjong features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Twilight extends to 3.85 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter of the two, appealing to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as its reduced distance allows for faster actuation. In contrast, the Twilight's longer travel distance may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a heartier depth that can enhance tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you desire a snappier experience, the Mahjong is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced keypress, the Twilight might be more suitable.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch presents a lively and poppy auditory experience. This characteristic makes it inviting and enjoyable for typing, whether you're at home or in a professional environment. The moderately neutral sound profile allows it to fit comfortably into various settings, making it an excellent choice for those who want a pleasing sound without being overly pronounced. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch has a quieter performance due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which results in a softer acoustic footprint. While it maintains some clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, the sound is more subdued, making it less likely to disturb those around you.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch excels with its bouncy and lively feedback. Users can expect a spring-like sensation when pressing the keys, providing a satisfying rebound that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, it possesses a mild quality, making it accessible to both novice and experienced typists, enabling comfortable use over long periods. The polished nature of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined feel, ensuring reduced friction during key presses. As for the HMX Twilight switch, specific details about its tactile feel are unknown, making it more difficult to draw precise comparisons in this regard.
Overall, both the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong provides an energetic and vibrant sound with an engaging feel, perfect for an expressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Twilight offers a quieter typing experience thanks to its longer travel distance. While their characteristics differ, both switches promise a fulfilling typing journey in their respective ways, ensuring that users can find satisfaction depending on their needs for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a cheerful, bouncy typing experience with a lively sound profile, the Mahjong switch will likely be your go-to option. Its neutral sound and mild feel cater to both beginners and advanced users, making it a versatile choice for varied environments, whether it be gaming or office work. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly quieter typing experience that still retains a sense of character and responsiveness, the Twilight switch is an excellent choice. Its extended travel distance adds a unique typing sensation while maintaining a light bottom-out force, making it suitable for long typing sessions or if you enjoy a little extra travel. Thus, consider the kind of feedback and sound you desire in your mechanical keyboard; each switch brings its own charm that can cater to your specific typing styles and scenarios.
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