Dareu Mahjong vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound while providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a sophisticated sound profile that combines the deep "thock" when bottoming out with a silent topping out, creating a more refined auditory experience. While the Mahjong switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', the U4Tx is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Muted', 'Sharp'. Each switch has its unique qualities that appeal to different users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the Gazzew U4Tx both use unique and proprietary materials for their housing, with the Mahjong utilizing POK material for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POK material in the Mahjong is known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky feel, while the nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing, creating a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Overall, both switches offer a distinctive sound and feel based on their housing materials, with the Mahjong focusing on durability and clackiness, and the U4Tx emphasizing a rich and deep sound.
One key difference between the Dareu Mahjong and the Gazzew U4Tx is the material used for their top housings. While the Mahjong utilizes POK material known for its smoothness and durability, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic that delivers a rich and deep sound profile. The POK material in the Mahjong contributes to a smoother and clacky feel, while the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx enhances the switch's sound profile with its softness. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience through their distinct housing materials, each focusing on specific qualities such as smoothness and sound richness.
In terms of the housing materials for the Dareu Mahjong and the Gazzew U4Tx, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch, while the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx contributes to the rich and deep sound due to its softness. Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by creating unique sound profiles based on the specific qualities of their housing materials. Ultimately, whether using POK and nylon in the Mahjong or the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of weight. The Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the U4Tx, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Mahjong is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Mahjong makes it ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods without fatigue, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the U4Tx being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Mahjong for its slightly shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the U4Tx. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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, the Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a bassy and muted sound that emphasizes deep, rich tones and minimizes noise, creating a more refined and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further enhanced or muted depending on the keyboard and keycap setup chosen by the user.
In terms of feel, the Mahjong switch is described as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. While the Mahjong switch offers a gentler typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, the Gazzew U4Tx switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a sharper and crisper typing feel.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mahjong switch provides a moderate and bouncy typing experience with a lively sound profile, while the U4Tx switch offers a deeper and richer sound coupled with a sharp tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience for the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Mahjong if you prefer a switch with a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience. This switch is versatile and suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, choose the U4Tx if you enjoy a cleaner and refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quiet topping out experience. The U4Tx provides a sharp tactile bump that offers a luxurious typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for switch characteristics such as sound and feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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