Dareu Mahjong vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Swift, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Dareu Mahjong features distinctive green and white switches that provide a lively, poppy sound signature and an effortless typing experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', these switches offer a smooth and polished feel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings. With a delicate 42g actuation force, it is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your specific preferences and needs. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Swift, it is evident that the Mahjong utilizes POK material for its top housing, whereas the Swift opts for a nylon top housing. While both materials offer durability and shock resistance, the POK material of the Mahjong provides a smoother feel with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than nylon's 0.03. Additionally, the POK material is known for its clacky sound profile, highlighting its unique characteristics as a switch housing material. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Swift offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Swift feature nylon housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics results in a muted and pleasant typing experience for users of both the Mahjong and the Swift. Despite the similarity in bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials varies, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
While the Dareu Mahjong and the HMX Swift differ in their top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches highlights the importance of material selection in enhancing the overall typing experience. The contrasting characteristics of POK and nylon materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback for users of the Mahjong and the Swift. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials depends on individual preferences for switch feel, sound, and durability, showcasing the diverse options available to keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Mahjong requires a slightly higher force at 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams. Both switches, however, do not have information available for the bottom out force of the Mahjong, while the Swift has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the heavier option between the two. The Mahjong's lack of information on bottom out force could suggest that it may be a lighter switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Mahjong, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Swift. Ultimately, the slight difference in actuation force and the availability of information on bottom out force play a significant role in determining which switch would better suit an individual's typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Mahjong with its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial key press may opt for the Swift with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options to choose what suits their typing or gaming style best.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch provides a clacky sound signature, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The choice between these two switches will heavily depend on personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard, including the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. Additionally, the switch is noted for its mild and polished qualities, offering a comfortable and smooth typing experience overall. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for being easy-to-press with a feathery touch, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers. The switch also offers a bouncy and creamy feel, allowing for effortless typing while providing a buttery smooth sensation with each keystroke.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, users can expect a different typing experience when using the Dareu Mahjong linear switch compared to the HMX Swift linear switch. The Mahjong switch is neutral in sound and bouncy in feel, providing an effortless and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift switch offers a clacky sound and a combination of easy-to-press and creamy feel, focusing on reducing finger fatigue and providing a smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a unique switch with a poppy sound signature and lively feel, the Mahjong may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, along with a lighter actuation force for effortless typing, the Swift might be more suited to your needs. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best fits your style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
