Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Type S, both of which are linear switches. The Dareu Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, delivering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S boasts a 65g bottom-out weight, appealing to those who prefer a heavier keystroke, and offers a balanced sound signature that leans towards a deeper acoustic experience. The Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', whereas the Type S switch is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. While each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, diving deeper into their specific features and performance will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Type S, both switches use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use this material. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Despite this similarity, the specific design and construction of the bottom housing in each switch may lead to slight variations in the sound and feel of bottoming out the keys.
On the other hand, the top housing material differs between the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Type S. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, which offers exceptional smoothness and durability due to its unique properties. The coefficient of friction for POK is higher than LY, making it one of the smoothest materials available for switch housings. It is also significantly stronger and more shock-resistant than other materials like POM and Nylon. In contrast, the Type S utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a distinctive typing experience that may appeal to those seeking a quieter switch.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and Gateron Type S differ in terms of top housing, both switches share similar attributes when it comes to the bottom housing. The utilization of nylon at the bottom provides a consistent sound and feel profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the split between bottom and top housing qualities allows for a balance between the impact of bottoming out a key and the sound when releasing it. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the Gateron Type S linear switch, the Mahjong is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Type S with 55 grams. Both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, but the Type S is likely heavier since its actuation force is heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mahjong switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Type S switch. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation force, with the Mahjong being lighter and the Type S being heavier.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Type S has a longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Mahjong. The 4.0mm travel distance on the Gateron Type S is more traditional, while the 3.4mm on the Dareu Mahjong is on the shorter side. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Dareu Mahjong a favorable choice for them. However, some may find shorter travel distances to be abrupt and prefer the heartier depth provided by the longer travel distance of the Gateron Type S switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in key presses.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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, both the Mahjong and Type S switches offer a neutral acoustic experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Mahjong switch has a lively, poppy sound signature, whereas the Type S switch leans towards a more subdued, deeper sound profile. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics and how they align with your typing style and environment.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Mahjong switch is known for its bouncy and mild typing experience, providing a lively and approachable feel with polished key travel. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Type S switch are unknown. If the Type S switch follows the trend of Gateron switches, it may offer a smooth and refined key press with a weightier keystroke due to its 65g bottom-out force. Again, the decision between the two switches would depend on the specific typing experience you prefer and how it aligns with your typing habits.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a lively sound and spring-like feedback, the Mahjong switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a weightier keystroke and potentially smoother key press, the Type S switch could be a good fit. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different boards and setups would provide the best insight into which one suits your needs the most.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a lively sound signature, and a bouncy and polished typing experience, then the Mahjong switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a neutral to subdued sound signature, and a more subdued typing experience, then the Gateron Type S switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and requirements.
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