Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Vintage Citrus is one that stands out for gamers and typing enthusiasts alike. The Mahjong switches, characterized by their vibrant green and white color scheme, offer a lively and polished typing experience with a delightful poppy sound signature. Their bouncy and mild feel makes them a joy for extended typing sessions while still delivering satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater specifically to gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, ideal for those rapid-fire inputs that competitive play demands. With a bright, clacky sound profile and a smooth push feel, they provide an invigorating experience that can elevate quick reflex responses. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Mahjong leaning towards a comfortable typing experience and the Vintage Citrus emphasizing performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Vintage Citrus present a compelling comparison in terms of their housing materials, particularly regarding the top housing. The Mahjong features POK material, known for its exceptional strength and durability with wear resistance significantly surpassing that of POM, while its coefficient of friction of 0.04 makes it one of the smoothest options available. This smoothness contributes to a tactile and engaging typing experience, generating a distinct clacky sound profile that enthusiasts often seek. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic choice characterized by its softer texture, which contributes to a rounder, deeper sound when typing. While both materials contribute to a smooth feel, the POK’s robustness ensures a different tactile experience compared to the muted warmth provided by the nylon.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, we see a notable similarity. Both the Mahjong and Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which reinforces the auditory qualities of the switches. This shared material means that users can expect a similar sound profile when bottoming out the switches. Nylon's ability to absorb sound is beneficial in producing a deeper and fuller acoustic experience that resonates well with many keyboard aficionados. In both cases, the nylon contributes to a consistent feel during key presses and largely influences the switches' final sound when keys are bottomed out, enhancing the overall auditory enjoyment.
In considering the combination of these materials, it becomes clear that while the top housings of the Mahjong and Vintage Citrus differ significantly in their composition—POK versus nylon—the bottom housings maintain a commonality in using nylon. This assures that while the typing experience and sound may vary widely due to the contrasting top materials, both switches are anchored by a shared acoustic foundation provided by the nylon bottom. Consequently, enthusiasts can expect a robust, enduring typing experience with the Mahjong while also enjoying the fuller sound profile of the Vintage Citrus, making each option favorable depending on the desired tactile and auditory characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Mahjong linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it lighter than the Vintage Citrus, which requires an actuation force of 48 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the Mahjong switch. However, the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch is unknown, while the Vintage Citrus has a specified bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. Therefore, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Vintage Citrus due to its heavier actuation and defined bottom out force, providing a firmer feel during use. In conclusion, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Mahjong's lighter actuation makes it appealing for prolonged use, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a stronger resistance that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Mahjong offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Dareu Mahjong, with its longer travel distance, will provide a firmer and deeper keypress, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, being the shorter of the two, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and more rapid actuation, though some may find its abruptness less satisfying. Thus, for those who favor responsiveness in their switches, the Vintage Citrus would be the better option, while those who enjoy a heartier keypress may prefer the Mahjong.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch delivers a lively and poppy auditory experience, creating a distinct typing signature that stands out. The resonant character of the Mahjong enhances the overall interaction, making every keystroke feel engaging. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright and clacky sound profile. Its crisp, sharp sounds offer a percussive quality that many gamers appreciate for its stimulating feedback during rapid typing sessions. While both switches bring their own delightful auditory qualities, they differ significantly in tone and resonance, with Mahjong showcasing a more vibrant sound and Vintage Citrus leaning towards a snappier, clackier tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch is designed to evoke a bouncy and mildly responsive typing experience, which can provide a satisfying rebound effect with each key press. This gives the user a gentle, polished sensation as the keys travel smoothly without much friction, resulting in a refined typing experience that is accessible to most typists. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a snappier, invigorating feel that is tailored for fast-paced gaming. Its short actuation distance combined with a firm response makes each keystroke feel immediate and lively, enhancing the immersion whether you're gaming or typing. Thus, while both switches are smooth, they cater to different preferences, with Mahjong being more subtle and polished, while Vintage Citrus emphasizes responsiveness and actuation.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches exhibit distinct differences in sound and feel, appealing to various user preferences. The Mahjong’s lively and polished qualities make it suitable for typists looking for a balanced and gentle experience, while the clacky, quick-response nature of the Vintage Citrus is perfect for gamers seeking rapid input and stimulating feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound character, tactile feedback, or overall typing experience, both of which can be highly enjoyable yet cater to different styles of use.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a lively typing experience with a bouncy feel and enjoy a smooth, polished action, the Mahjong switch may be your go-to option. Its unique green and white color scheme, along with its mild characteristics and vibrant sound signature, make it a wonderful choice for typists who value both aesthetics and an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid responses and a snappy, invigorating feel, the Vintage Citrus switch would serve you better with its low actuation force and quick 1mm actuation. Its clacky sound profile can provide an exhilarating feedback loop that enhances the gaming experience. In the end, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for typing or gaming—as this will guide you to the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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