Dareu Mahjong vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both have their own unique characteristics and advantages. The Mahjong switch stands out with its distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It offers a silky smooth typing feel that is buttery and polished. Each switch has its own appeal and strengths, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear housing materials, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Mahjong uses POK material, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear employs polycarbonate for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The POK material of the Mahjong offers exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance, surpassing other materials like Nylon and POM. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound quality with its stiffness and clear resonant profile.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their use of nylon for the bottom housing material. Both the Mahjong and the Semi-Silent Linear benefit from the use of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both switches achieve a similar sound profile that enhances the user's typing experience with its unique characteristics.
Overall, while the Dareu Mahjong and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in their top housing materials, they share a common ground in utilizing nylon for the bottom housing. This choice brings a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile that enhances the overall switch performance. The top housing material contributes to the unique characteristics of each switch, with POK providing smoothness and durability for the Mahjong, and polycarbonate offering a sharper sound profile for the Semi-Silent Linear. By understanding how each housing material affects the switch's performance, users can choose the ideal switch based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Mahjong has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, compared to the Mahjong's unknown bottom out force. The difference in actuation force may result in a lighter typing experience with the Mahjong, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the Semi-Silent Linear may provide a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the two switches, selecting the lighter option for longer typing sessions and the heavier option for a more robust typing feel can cater to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch that has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Mahjong offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Both switches offer differences in travel distance that cater to individual preferences, with the Mahjong being the shorter option and the Semi-Silent Linear being the longer option in this comparison.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 linear switch offers a neutral experience with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether it be for beginners or advanced users, at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provides a subdued sound that is dampened when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches provide a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile options depending on your preferences and requirements. Ultimately, when it comes to sound, the Mahjong offers a neutral sound profile while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued and quiet option.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a bouncy and lively typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. It also falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. The switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. In comparison, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch also falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. Like the Mahjong switch, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for effortless typing. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their own unique characteristics, providing users with options depending on their preferences.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have some differences in sound and feel, they both offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Mahjong switch provides a livelier and more neutral sound profile with a bouncy and polished typing feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and quiet sound with a snappy and polished typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more neutral or subdued sound and a bouncy or snappy typing feel, both switches can provide a satisfying experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Mahjong linear switch or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a unique switch with a poppy sound signature and a bouncy feel, the Mahjong may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear might be the better option. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to carefully consider which characteristics align best with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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