Dareu Mahjong vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their playful green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature that delivers an enjoyable typing feel. Known for being bouncy yet polished, these switches cater to users who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience while still maintaining a level of mildness. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches present a contrasting experience characterized by their deep, rounded sound profile and remarkably light actuation force. This feathery touch is ideal for typists who favor an effortless keystroke, making the Yunhai a strong contender for those who prioritize comfort and ease in long typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the TTC Yunhai, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which helps create a rich auditory experience during typing. The use of nylon in both models contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its relative softness allows for improved sound absorption. This shared material quality implies that users may experience a similar acoustic characteristic when bottoming out, enhancing the tactile feedback and auditory feedback that typists often crave. Despite both featuring nylon for their lower housings, the downtime differences in their top materials introduce distinct dynamics to each switch’s overall performance.
The Mahjong differentiates itself with a POK (polyketone) top housing, which stands out due to its notably low coefficient of friction and high durability. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, POK provides an exceptionally smooth keypress experience, slightly surpassing the 0.03 rating of LY, though LY is not mentioned in the context of the Yunhai. POK's robust wear resistance and shock-absorbing properties make it a superior option for those seeking longevity and performance, giving the Dareu Mahjong a feature that the Yunhai lacks. This difference in top housing materials means that while both switches can benefit from the nylon bottom, the Mahjong offers a more refined and smoother key release experience, thanks to the POK's unique attributes.
In contrast, the Yunhai’s top housing material remains unspecified but is implied to be less sophisticated compared to the POK of the Mahjong, potentially leading to a less smooth typing experience during the release of keys. The overall sound profile, however, remains consistent between both models when considering their shared nylon bottom housings, meaning that the lower-end sound signature remains attractive to many typists across both switches. Therefore, while the two models boast similar sound characteristics due to their nylon bottoms, the inclusion of the POK material in the Mahjong serves to enhance its performance and tactile feedback significantly, emphasizing how material choice substantially influences user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to varied user preferences. The Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Yunhai's 42 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom-out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown, whereas the Yunhai switch has a defined bottom-out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feel when fully pressed down. This means that the Yunhai switch, while having a lighter actuation force, ultimately offers a heavier bottom-out sensation. For those who like a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming, the Yunhai would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force, while the Mahjong might attract users seeking more resistance overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Mahjong features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter option of the two, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to the reduced distance required for actuation. Conversely, the Yunhai offers a deeper feel with its 3.6 mm travel distance, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. Therefore, individuals who enjoy faster actuation and responsiveness might prefer the Mahjong switch, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth could opt for the Yunhai.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong switches are known for their lively and poppy sound signature, which can create an engaging auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic makes them quite appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a deep, rounded sound profile that exudes a sense of calm and sophistication. The mellow nature of the Yunhai switches can be particularly pleasing to typists who prefer a more subdued sound environment. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the specific keyboard used and the type of keycaps you choose, which may further differentiate the auditory characteristics of these switches in actual use.
When discussing the feel of the switches, the Dareu Mahjong offers a number of tactile qualities, including a bouncy and mildly polished sensation. This spring-like feedback allows for an engaging typing experience that feels lively and offers a satisfying rebound when keys are pressed. Its well-rounded nature positions it as an approachable choice for both newcomers and seasoned typists. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches excel in their feather-light actuation, making them incredibly easy to press with minimal exertion. This quality is particularly beneficial for users who spend long hours typing, as it significantly reduces the strain on fingers, providing comfort over extended periods. While the Mahjong emphasizes a rich tactile interaction, the Yunhai leans towards a seamless and light feedback experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong and TTC Yunhai linear switches present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Mahjong’s lively sound and bouncy feel combine to create an engaging and dynamic experience, while the Yunhai’s deep sound and feathery feel provide a gentle and effortless touch. Depending on your preference for auditory feedback and finger comfort, either switch can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, so it’s essential to consider what aspects resonate most with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a robust and lively typing experience, the Mahjong switch, with its bouncy feel and polished finish, could be the ideal choice for you. Its unique sound profile adds a dynamic element to your keyboard, making it particularly suitable for typists who thrive on responsiveness and enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and require a light touch, the Yunhai switch may be more appropriate. Its feathery actuation minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for long hours of typing or gaming sessions, where effortlessness is key. Overall, your choice should align with whether you seek engagement and tactile feedback or a simpler, lighter experience.
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