Dareu Mahjong vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switches from Dareu stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, along with a lively and poppy sound signature that enhances the typing experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', these switches are great for those looking for a smooth and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are renowned for their lightning-fast response time, thanks to their linear action and low spring resistance. Categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', these switches excel in providing maximum speed, making them ideal for competitive gamers. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon. However, the Mahjong goes a step further by using POK material for its top housing, which enhances the smoothness and durability of the switches. The POK material has a higher coefficient of friction than LY, making it one of the smoothest materials available, and it offers exceptional strength and wear resistance.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. While this may not offer the same level of smoothness and durability as the POK material used in the Mahjong, it still delivers a satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their housing materials, creating a unique typing experience that is appreciated by many enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Mahjong and the Cherry MX Speed Silver showcases different approaches to creating a satisfying typing experience. The Mahjong's combination of POK and nylon results in smooth, clacky switches with enhanced durability, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver's consistent use of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile throughout the switch. Whether you prefer the added smoothness and durability of the Mahjong or the consistent sound profile of the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is 45 grams, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has an actuation force of 30 grams, making the MX Speed Silver the lighter of the two. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much pressure is required to press the key all the way down. Some users prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue, while others may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation force and the type of typing experience they desire.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance when using either switch. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to other switches on the market, providing quick and responsive keystrokes for a more efficient typing or gaming experience.
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral and moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users in any setting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed and released. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, in addition to factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Mahjong switch is known for its bouncy, mild, and polished characteristics, offering a lively and elastic feedback sensation, a gentle typing experience, and a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed, which can cater to users who prefer a bit of resistance while typing. Again, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Overall, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide excellent options for users seeking a linear switch experience. Whether you prefer the lively and poppy sound of the Mahjong or the rapid response and satisfying thocky sound of the MX Speed Silver, both switches are designed to enhance typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of switch performance, with the decision coming down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider the unique features and characteristics of each switch. If you are drawn to the lively sound signature and effortless typing experience of the Mahjong, and prefer a neutral feel that offers a bouncy and polished typing sensation, then the Mahjong switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response times and maximum speed, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, and appreciate a thocky, low-pitched sound profile with a textured key feel, then the MX Speed Silver switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific preferences and requirements for a mechanical keyboard switch.
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