Dareu Mahjong vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly enhance your typing experience based on personal preference and usage needs. The Dareu Mahjong switch, recognized for its vibrant green and white aesthetics, offers a lively and poppy sound profile that complements its bouncy yet polished feel. This linear switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it especially appealing for gamers and typists who value speed without the distraction of clicks. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch employs Hall Effect technology, bringing a unique twist with its bright and clacky audio signature paired with a silky smooth keystroke. This switch stands out for its refined approach, appealing to users who enjoy a bit more tactility and auditory feedback while typing. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your style and preferences. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong's POK top housing to the Wuque Studio WS Dash's polycarbonate top housing, one can identify distinct characteristics that each material brings to the overall switch performance. The Mahjong’s POK material, known for its lower coefficient of friction and enhanced durability, provides a smooth typing experience with a hint of clackiness due to its superior shock resistance. In contrast, the WS Dash's use of polycarbonate results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, attributed to its stiffer nature, which amplifies the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. This contrast highlights how the choice of materials can significantly influence not only the tactile feel but also the auditory experience of the switch, effectively shaping the preferences of different users.
Both the Mahjong and the WS Dash utilize nylon for their bottom housings, offering a common ground in terms of sound characteristics. Nylon's inherent soft properties allow it to dampen sound, resulting in a fuller and more rounded sound profile when typing. Despite this commonality, the different top housing materials create a distinctive auditory experience—while the Mahjong offers a smooth and clacky sound due to its POK top, the WS Dash delivers a more crystalline acoustic quality, courtesy of its polycarbonate. This layer of complexity illustrates how even when two switches share a bottom housing material, the top material can drastically affect the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the difference in top housing materials between the Dareu Mahjong and the Wuque Studio WS Dash serves to complement their shared nylon bottom housing. The POK top housing’s smooth and durable properties contribute to a more subdued sound during key release, while the polycarbonate top accentuates clarity and brightness. This divergence suggests that while both switches can provide a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon bottom, the overall experiences can vary significantly during both the key press and release phases. Thus, these variances in materials and their properties lead to a spectrum of sound profiles and tactile sensations, tailored to diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge in their feel and responsiveness. The Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to fully evaluate its performance. In contrast, the WS Dash switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for prolonged use during gaming or typing sessions. It also has a measurable bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light, which may provide a more substantial feel when the key is fully depressed. Overall, the Mahjong switch is heavier in terms of actuation, while the WS Dash is lighter, appealing to users who prefer less resistance during typing. Due to the unknown bottom out force of the Mahjong, it's challenging to ascertain how similar their overall experiences may be; however, users can expect distinct tactile sensations based on the available metrics.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its greater travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the differences are subtle but could significantly impact user preference based on individual tactile and responsiveness needs.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 auditory experience that stands out among mechanical switches. This sound profile is neutral enough to accommodate various environments, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch delivers a bright and clacky sound signature, which adds a vibrant flair to your keystrokes. Both switches exhibit dynamic sound qualities, though the Mahjong leans towards a more moderate tone, while the WS Dash brings a more pronounced and energizing acoustic presence. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a poppy and lively sound, the Mahjong is your go-to, whereas the WS Dash will cater to those who enjoy a brighter auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch presents a distinct and engaging typing experience characterized by its bouncy, mild, and polished attributes. This combination allows for a spring-like rebound with a gentle, approachable typing sensation, which ultimately can be very enjoyable for users who desire a smooth yet lively interaction. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Dash switch remains less specified in the available information; therefore, its tactile characteristics aren't detailed and can't be directly compared. However, it's safe to assume that with its refinement and smoothness reminiscent of the Magnetic Jade series, the WS Dash may offer a unique yet potentially different typing sensation, perhaps lacking some of that bounciness present in the Mahjong.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches exhibit unique acoustic and tactile characteristics that will appeal to different user preferences. The Mahjong is ideal for those seeking a balanced sound and a lively yet gentle typing experience, highlighted by its neutral sound and bouncy feel. Conversely, the WS Dash stands out with its bright and clacky sound, implying a refined and potentially smoother keystroke, though its tactile feel remains less defined. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the engaging auditory signature of the Mahjong or the dynamic presence of the WS Dash, both switches promise enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences tailored to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire. If you are looking for a lively and effortless typing experience characterized by a bouncy feel and a poppy sound profile, the Mahjong switch might be the ideal option for you. It’s perfect for casual gaming, general typing, and even extended work sessions, thanks to its approachable characteristics and neutrality, which cater well to a broad range of users. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined and smooth keystroke with a distinctively bright and clacky sound, the WS Dash is worth considering. With its medium-light actuation force and the advanced technology behind Hall Effect switches, it can offer a unique typing experience that’s notably different from traditional mechanical switches. In essence, if you value a sleek, polished experience with a sophisticated auditory feedback, you might find yourself gravitating toward the WS Dash. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so your decision should align with whether you value a lively, engaging feel or a smooth, high-tech performance in your keyboard setup.
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