Dareu Mahjong vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, compatibility with your typing style and preferences is crucial, and two notable options are the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Weightlessness switches. The Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme and are celebrated for their lively, poppy sound signature. Known for providing an effortless typing experience, they fall into categories such as 'Bouncy,' 'Mild,' 'Neutral,' and 'Polished,' making them an attractive choice for those who prefer a smooth and engaging linear feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches deliver a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, offering a well-balanced sound profile that enhances the tactile experience without overwhelming the user. While the Mahjong is ideal for typists seeking fluidity and responsiveness, the Weightlessness provides a more pronounced tactile sensation that caters to those who appreciate a tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Mahjong Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Weightlessness, it becomes clear that they differ significantly in terms of the composition of their top housings. The Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is noted for its exceptional durability and smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This makes it one of the leading materials for keyboard switches, providing a distinct clacky sound profile and an overall robust feel. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs nylon for its top housing. Although nylon is a classic and trusted material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, it lacks the same durability and smoothness that POK offers. Therefore, while both switches feature materials prized for their acoustic properties, the Mahjong's housing is designed for maximum performance and longevity, which could lead to a more responsive typing experience.

In examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that the Dareu Mahjong and the Gateron Weightlessness share the same nylon material. This choice reflects a consistent approach to employing nylon's acoustic benefits across both switch models. Both switches should elicit a similar deep and rich sound profile when pressed, as the softer plastic material absorbs sound effectively, leading to a mellower bottom-out feel. This shared bottom housing material allows for an enhanced tactile feedback that contributes to a satisfying typing experience, regardless of the differences seen in the top housings.

Taking into consideration how each housing component influences the overall switch performance, we observe that the architecture of both the Mahjong and the Weightlessness complements each other. The distinct properties of POK and nylon play a vital role in the tactile and auditory experience of the switches. While the Mahjong’s POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability, making it potentially better for long-term usage, the nylon bottom housing across both switches ensures a fuller sound profile during use. Ultimately, although the types of materials differ in the top housings, the shared nylon bottom enhances the acoustic aspects of both switches, allowing for a rich and enjoyable typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ in their actuation forces but share an unknown bottom out force. The Mahjong switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, which may appeal to users who favor lighter keys for extensive work or gaming. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. While both switches lack defined bottom out forces, the difference in actuation force suggests that the Mahjong is better suited for users seeking a lighter typing experience, whereas the Weightlessness may attract those who enjoy a firmer key press. Ultimately, users should choose based on their preference for either a lighter or heavier actuation force to achieve their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that when you press down on either key, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is identical. This equality in travel distance results in similar key feel and responsiveness during use, providing a uniform typing experience across both switches. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke feedback and actuation, making either switch a suitable choice depending on individual preference for linear or tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is lively and poppy, making each keystroke an engaging experience. This distinctive sound signature contributes to a more vibrant typing atmosphere, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch possesses a subtle to moderate sound profile that is designed to be balanced. This means that while it delivers a more muted auditory experience, it complements the switch's tactile nature, allowing for a smoother and less intrusive typing ambiance. However, the actual sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard design and keycaps used, so these switches can still provide a satisfying auditory experience depending on the setup.

When it comes to the feel, the Mahjong switch stands out with its bouncy characteristics, providing a spring-like sensation that gives a lively rebound upon pressing. This creates an energetic typing experience, which is further enhanced by its mild and polished nature, resulting in smooth key travel and refined feedback. In contrast, the specific feel of the Gateron Weightlessness is less defined in the available information, but as a tactile switch, it offers a distinct tactile bump that complements its sound profile. While the tactile feedback may be subtle to moderate, the overall experience may not match the energetic and polished feel of the Mahjong switches.

In summary, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch boasts a lively sound and bouncy, polished feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a more subdued auditory experience while maintaining a gentle tactile feedback. The differing characteristics of each switch cater to varied typing preferences, with Mahjong appealing to those who thrive on a more dynamic and engaging experience, whereas Weightlessness might suit someone looking for a simpler, more balanced typing sensation. Depending on an individual’s choice of keyboard and keycaps, one can achieve a satisfying result with either switch type, as both offer unique qualities suited to different typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Dareu's Mahjong linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy experience that offers a smooth and effortless typing feel, the Mahjong switch may be the perfect fit for you. Its neutral sound profile and vibrant feedback make it an excellent option for both casual and serious typists, especially if you value a responsive and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, the Gateron Weightlessness is a strong contender. Its balanced sound and gentle tactile feel can cater to those who appreciate a more refined approach, making it ideal for longer typing sessions without overwhelming your fingers. In the end, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the energetic feel of the Mahjong or the smooth tactile sensation of the Weightlessness—to guide your final decision on which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more