Dareu Mahjong vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are notable differences to consider. The Dareu Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch may lack any distinct visual feature, but it provides a smooth linear feel without any tactile bump. If you prefer a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong may be the way to go. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Red, one key difference is seen in their top housing materials. The Mahjong utilizes a POK material, known for its smoothness and durability, resulting in a clacky switch. On the other hand, the Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials have their unique benefits, the POK material offers a smoother feel while the polycarbonate material provides a clearer sound profile, catering to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Mahjong and the Red opt for nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by many typists. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the two switches may offer slightly different typing experiences based on their design and overall construction. However, the use of nylon in both cases ensures a consistent sound profile and feel when typing on the switches.
While the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Red may differ, they both contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key. Whether it's the smoothness and durability of POK in the Mahjong or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Red, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Mahjong is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force with 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Red switch is heavier with 62 grams compared to the Mahjong's unknown force. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Mahjong for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Red switch. The actuation force of both switches is relatively similar, so users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the Red, making it more preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Red switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which some may find to offer a more substantial and satisfying key press. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Mahjong being on the shallower end and the Red being more traditional. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Red comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Dareu Mahjong linear switch is known for its lively and poppy sound signature, making typing on it an enjoyable and engaging experience. The neutral sound profile of the Mahjong switch means it is suitable for various typing needs, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and polished typing experience, giving users a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. The mild characteristics of the Mahjong switch make it approachable to most users, providing a gentle typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Red switch, making it challenging to compare the two switches directly in this aspect.
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch stands out for its unique green and white color scheme, as well as its engaging sound and feel qualities. While the specific characteristics of the Outemu Red switch are unknown in this comparison, it is likely that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel with both switches being linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong and Outemu Red switches may come down to personal preference in terms of design aesthetics and any additional features each switch may offer.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a unique switch with a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch may be the way to go. Its bouncy, mild, and polished feel can provide a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Red switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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