Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both of which fall into the linear switch category but offer distinct characteristics. The Mahjong switch stands out with its vibrant green and white color scheme and is celebrated for its lively, poppy sound signature, giving users an effortlessly smooth typing experience. Its classification as 'Bouncy,' 'Mild,' 'Neutral,' and 'Polished' suggests a more versatile typing feel that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique design with a PA12 top housing that enhances acoustic profile while a POM stem delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch embodies a blend of subtle sophistication and precision performance, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a more refined tactile experience. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their sound profiles and tactile feedback will influence your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one of the stark contrasts lies in their top housing materials. The Mahjong employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is notable for its superior durability and smooth feel, thanks to its low coefficient of friction and exceptional strength compared to other plastics. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material offers a smooth typing experience and is remarkably resistant to wear and shock, making it one of the most robust choices available. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) uses nylon for its top housing. While nylon is a classic material known for producing a deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, it lacks the same level of durability and wear resistance as POK. Thus, while both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback, the Mahjong’s POK top housing may deliver a smoother and more resilient experience.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches, there is a notable similarity. Both the Mahjong and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housing components. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, which results in a fuller, deeper sound profile when typing. This characteristic makes both the Mahjong and the Xinhai (Heavy) capable of producing a similar acoustic experience when bottoming out. This shared material in the bottom housing suggests that the tonal qualities and sound dampening effects will remain consistent across both switches, allowing for a duller and rounder sound that many users find appealing.
In summary, while the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer different experiences with their top housing materials—POK versus nylon—the consistency in nylon for their bottom housings brings a shared attribute to both switches. The POK material in the Mahjong provides a clear advantage in terms of durability and smoothness, but the nylon bottom ensures both switches deliver a rich acoustic profile upon bottoming out. Consequently, users may appreciate the contrast between a more robust top housing feel in the Mahjong and the softer, sound-absorbing qualities present in the nylon materials utilized in both their bottom housings, ultimately influencing the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user experience. The Mahjong switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. The bottom out force for the Mahjong switch remains unknown, whereas the Xinhai has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates that the Xinhai switch not only requires more force to actuate but also to fully press down, offering a firmer feel overall. Consequently, users gravitating towards a lighter switch should consider the Mahjong for comfort and ease, while those who appreciate a heavier, more tactile experience might favor the Xinhai.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys for both switches. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that typists and gamers alike will achieve comparable results in terms of responsiveness and key feel. Consequently, neither switch can be deemed shorter or longer, highlighting their equivalence in this specific aspect of design and performance.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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
The sound qualities of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics. The Mahjong switches produce a lively, poppy sound signature that can be described as somewhat neutral, making them versatile for various environments, whether at home or at work. This engaging sound profile is enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, designed with a PA12 top housing, offers softer acoustics, resulting in a subtler sound. Its use of a POM stem enhances the crispness and higher-pitched resonance, providing a more refined auditory experience that complements its sophisticated design.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its bouncy and mildly engaging feedback, delivering a spring-like sensation that rekindles excitement with each keystroke. The smooth and polished action contributes to a highly satisfying typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a refined touch. On the other hand, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. However, users might expect that its heavier mechanics would provide a different typing experience, possibly delivering a sturdier, more deliberate feel.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Mahjong and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches have their unique offerings, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mahjong is characterized by its lively sound and bouncy, polished feel, making it an inviting option for various settings. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch emphasizes softer acoustics and potentially heavier mechanics, appealing to a different audience. Users will ultimately select switches based on their individual preferences and typing habits, and both types can deliver satisfying experiences depending on what qualities they prioritize.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you gravitate towards an engaging and lively typing experience, the Mahjong switch is ideal for you. Its bouncy feel and polished texture provide a pleasurable and springy feedback that can make typing feel effortless and fun. This makes it a great option for casual users or those who appreciate a more vibrant sound profile in a home setting. On the other hand, if you are aiming for a more substantial and refined feedback, particularly for heavy typing or gaming, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, is an excellent choice. Its unique PA12 top housing contributes to a more muted acoustic signature, making it well-suited for environments where sound may be a concern or for users who prefer a more controlled typing experience. Therefore, assess your typing style and environment: if you enjoy a lively and smooth sensation, go for the Mahjong; but if you prefer weightier feedback with sophisticated acoustics, the Xinhai (Heavy) should be your pick.
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