TTC Flame Red vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Mahjong both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red switch stands out for its visually striking light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics, especially with backlit and RGB keyboards. Known for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red is categorized as ['Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished']. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches make a statement with their distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature for a more dynamic typing experience. Categorized as ['Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished'], the Mahjong switch provides an effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Mahjong, both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong incorporates a POK top housing, which offers unparalleled smoothness and durability. The POK material's coefficient of friction is slightly higher than nylon, contributing to a smoother typing experience. Additionally, the POK material boasts exceptional strength and wear resistance, surpassing nylon in shock resistance.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Mahjong feature nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Despite the similarities in material, the differences lie in the overall composition of the switches. The Flame Red may offer a slightly duller and rounder sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Mahjong may provide a smoother and clackier typing experience with its POK top housing.
While the top and bottom housings in both switches may be composed of the same material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch can impact the overall typing experience differently. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a notable impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, even with the same material for both housings, the overall typing experience and sound profile can vary between switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Flame Red has a slightly higher bottom out force of 54 grams compared to the Mahjong's unknown bottom out force. Both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. When it comes to weight preferences, some may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Flame Red for a more substantial typing experience, while others might opt for the Mahjong's lighter feel for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force required for key actuation.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Flame Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong switch. The Flame Red switch's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, ideal for those looking for a faster response time when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses or a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it's essential to consider your preferences before making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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.
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 TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Mahjong switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate sound level that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you use them at home or in a work environment. The actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switches are described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing sensation that appeals to a wide range of users, while the polished feature ensures a smooth and refined keypress, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that gives a lively feel and rebound when keys are pressed. Additionally, they also offer a mild and polished typing experience similar to the Flame Reds.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flame Red switches excel in providing a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, they also offer a mild and polished feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their distinctive green and white color scheme, lively and poppy sound signature, bouncy feel, and also a mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options providing a pleasant typing experience for users of varying levels.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a visually appealing switch with a backlit RGB keyboard and a weighty smoothness in typing, the Flame Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and lively sound signature along with an effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and typing style.
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