Dareu Mahjong vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct features worth considering. The Mahjong's unique green and white color scheme sets it apart visually, while its linear switches provide a bouncy and polished typing experience with a lively sound signature. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro boasts medium tactility with a light touch, offering a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Mahjong appeals to those who enjoy a bouncy and poppy typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro caters to individuals seeking a Goldilocks-like tactile option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we can see distinct differences between the two. The Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing, which provides a smooth and clacky experience with exceptional durability. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. While both materials excel in different areas, the POK material focuses on smoothness and durability, while polycarbonate emphasizes sound quality and aesthetics with its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Dareu Mahjong and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro opt for nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches using nylon bottom housing will offer a more muted and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience by providing a satisfying sound and feel. Despite the similar choice of material for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may differ slightly due to other factors like switch design and keycaps used.
In terms of how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing play different roles. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. This distinction means that while the Dareu Mahjong and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may share similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience will still be unique to each switch due to the differences in their top housing materials.
Weight
Both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the information is unavailable for both switches. This means that the amount of force required to fully press the key is unknown for both switches. When considering weight, lighter switches like the Mahjong may be preferred for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, some users may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may opt for a switch with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer similar actuation forces with varying bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Mahjong has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly deeper feel of the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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, both the Mahjong linear switch and the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound signature that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong linear switch is noted for its bouncy and mild characteristics, providing a lively and gentle typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feedback, giving users a two-stage sensation during key presses. While the Mahjong switch focuses on a more rebounding and approachable feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a different tactile experience with a mild bump and distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
Overall, while both switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they offer different typing experiences for users to choose from. Whether you prefer the lively and bouncy feel of the Mahjong linear switch or the stepped tactility of the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both options provide a balanced and moderate typing experience suitable for various preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two would depend on your personal typing style and preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lively, poppy sound and a bouncy, polished typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you while typing. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
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