Dareu Mahjong vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Mahjong and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out as distinct options for different preferences. The Mahjong switches, with their striking green and white color scheme, are celebrated for their lively and poppy sound signature, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, they are perfect for users who enjoy a linear feel with minimal resistance, making them ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a luxurious typing experience with a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a subtle, yet pronounced tactile bump. This refined sound profile caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback while typing quietly. While both switches provide unique sensations and auditory experiences, each appeals to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Standard
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects both feel and sound during use. The Mahjong utilizes POK, a unique polyketone material acclaimed for its smoothness, featuring a low coefficient of friction (0.04) that enhances its tactile feel. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB boasts a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, prioritizing a softer construction that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. While POK's durability and wear resistance make it an exceptional choice for long-lasting performance, Gazzew's blend provides a different auditory experience, emphasizing a captivating sound signature over sheer durability.
On the other hand, both switches share a similar philosophy in their bottom housing materials. The Mahjong employs nylon, known for its soft composition that absorbs sound, thereby creating a rounder and fuller audio experience. Gazzew U4Tx RGB uses the same proprietary plastic blend for its bottom housing, further emphasizing this approach. This alignment means that, regardless of the different top housing materials, both switches can deliver warm audio profiles thanks to their softer bottom housings, which absorb vibrations and prevent harshness. As such, users can expect a comparable sound experience in terms of depth and richness when bottoming out the keys.
Overall, while the top housings of the Dareu Mahjong and Gazzew U4Tx RGB are distinctly different—one emphasizing smoothness and friction reduction, while the other focuses on auditory warmth—the bottom housings harmonize their sound qualities. Users will enjoy a similarly rich and resonant experience due to the shared characteristics of softness and sound absorption in the bottom housing materials. This means that, while the tactile feedback might differ, the overall auditory experience remains aligned, offering keystrokes that sound satisfying and full regardless of the switch choice.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see a notable difference in the bottom out force, although the actuation forces remain partially unknown. The Mahjong switch has a specified actuation force of 45 grams but lacks specified data for the bottom out force, making it difficult to gauge its full range. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch does not provide an actuation force value but does have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This reveals that while the Mahjong's actuation is lighter, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the U4Tx RGB is heavier at the bottom out stage. Therefore, users seeking a lighter typing experience might prefer the Mahjong switch, while those desiring a more substantial push feel will find the heavier U4Tx RGB switch appealing. The absence of complete data highlights the complexity of evaluating these switches fully based on force characteristics alone.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Mahjong switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that appeals to gamers seeking swift keystrokes. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial experience that some users may find preferable for typing or gaming, as it can feel less abrupt and provide a satisfying depth. Therefore, if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Mahjong is the better choice, whereas those who favor a more robust keystroke may lean towards the U4Tx RGB for a fuller typing experience.
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 RGB 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 Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a lively, poppy sound signature that contributes to an engaging typing experience. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're at home or in an office. This versatility allows users to enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback without causing too much disturbance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is characterized by its deep "thock" upon bottoming out, paired with a quiet topping out that creates a more refined sound profile. This results in a luxurious auditory experience that caters to enthusiasts who appreciate the subtleties in sound while typing. Overall, both switches provide unique yet enjoyable auditory experiences that may appeal to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Mahjong switches provide a bouncy typing experience, creating a spring-like feedback when pressed. This lively feel is complemented by a mild touch that makes them approachable for newcomers and suitable for extended typing sessions. With a polished finish, these switches also offer a smooth key travel, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, which delivers a satisfying tactile response during typing. While detailed descriptions of the U4Tx's overall feel are less readily available, the combination of a tactile bump with a refined mechanism promises a luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong offers a bouncy and polished typing sensation alongside a lively sound profile, appealing to those seeking engagement. Meanwhile, the U4Tx provides a deeper sound signature and a sharp tactile feedback that invites luxury. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, but either option promises a rewarding typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch will largely depend on your typing style and sound preferences. If you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth and lively typing experience, the Mahjong is an excellent choice. Its bouncy feel and polished finish make it suitable for both daily typing and gaming, delivering a unique poppy sound signature without the distraction of a heavy bottom-out force. This switch is particularly ideal if you prefer a more relaxed and moderate typing experience, whether at work or home. On the other hand, if you value a tactile response that enhances your typing precision alongside a rich sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB will serve you well. Its 65-gram bottom-out force provides a medium-heavy resistance that many users find satisfying, with the pronounced thock of the bottoming out for a distinct feedback. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a luxurious typing experience with clear tactile bumps, particularly suitable for typing enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates a balanced and refined sensation while typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what matters more to you: the energetic, smooth feedback of the Mahjong or the tactile elegance of the U4Tx RGB.