Dareu Mahjong vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Venus both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches are known for their distinctive green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature coupled with an effortless typing experience. Categorized as bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished, these switches are ideal for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal configuration, offering a seamless glide paired with a textured surface that provides a springy resistance akin to biting into a chewy mochi. Categorized as buttery, gummy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, muted, neutral, polished, subdued, and thocky, the Venus switches are perfect for those seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience with very light actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and TTC Venus both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound and feel of the switches. The Mahjong utilizes POK for its top housing, which is known for its smoothness and durability, while the Venus features POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In terms of bottom housing materials, the Mahjong uses nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Venus employs polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
In terms of sound profiles, the POK top housing of the Mahjong contributes to a smooth and clacky sound, while the POM top housing of the Venus creates a unique and more muted sound. This highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound of a switch. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong results in a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus adds a sharper and more resonant sound quality. These differences in bottom housing materials demonstrate how varying properties can affect the acoustics of a switch.
While the Dareu Mahjong and TTC Venus have differences in their housing materials, they both prioritize providing a quality typing experience. The POK material of the Mahjong offers smoothness and durability, while the POM material of the Venus provides a unique and pleasing sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong gives a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus delivers a sharper sound. Despite these distinctions, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mahjong has an unknown value while the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Venus linear switch offers a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down compared to the Mahjong, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, both switches may still provide similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Venus linear switch would offer a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out, catering to those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired amount of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Venus linear switches both offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. The Dareu Mahjong has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Despite the small difference between the two, gamers may notice a slightly quicker response time with the Dareu Mahjong due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more deliberate and tactile feel may lean towards the Venus switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of response time and overall typing experience. Both switches, however, offer a modern and efficient travel distance that caters to the needs of today's users.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 is described as having a neutral profile that suits a wide range of users and environments, making it a versatile option for different settings. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound that creates a more subdued auditory experience, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing environment. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to various preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their needs.
Moving on to feel, the Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy and mild characteristics, offering a lively and gentle typing experience that falls within a comfortable middle ground for most users. In contrast, the Venus switch is described as buttery and frictionless, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction for a fluid typing sensation. Both switches offer polished finishes that contribute to a refined and sleek typing experience, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship in their design.
Overall, while the Dareu Mahjong and TTC Venus linear switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing users with a unique and engaging typing experience. Whether you prefer a more neutral sound with a bouncy feel or a low-pitched sound with a buttery texture, these switches deliver on their respective qualities to enhance your overall typing performance. By considering your personal preferences and typing environment, you can choose between the Mahjong and Venus switches to achieve similar levels of satisfaction tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a unique color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a distinctive internal configuration for smooth, frictionless typing, with a light actuation and muted, engaging sound signature, then the Venus switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.