ALBAN "Slim" Series - The New Standard for
Home Automatic Mahjong Tables
Fusion of Innovative Design and Functionality
ALBAN Co.'s "Slim" series is a revolutionary product that defies conventional wisdom about home automatic mahjong tables. Released by ALBAN Co.,
a leader in the mahjong table market since its founding in 1990, this series features a slim, lightweight design and high-quality finish.
Inspired by luxury cars and high-end audio equipment, its simple and modern design has a sophisticated and
clean appearance unlike traditional mahjong tables, blending naturally with home interiors. Combining space-saving, functionality,
and design aesthetics, the "Slim" series has gained attention as a next-generation mahjong table ideal for modern living spaces.
Sophisticated Slim Design and Space-Saving Features
One of the main features of the "Slim" series is its slim, lightweight body. The table top can function independently, and the legs can be removed as needed for use as a low table. With a body weight of about 30kg and a total weight of about 51kg including legs, it is relatively lightweight for an automatic mahjong table, making it comparatively easy to move when necessary (folding leg models are equipped with casters).
Unlike the rugged, bulky appearance of traditional commercial tables, the simple form in black or white doesn't create a sense of oppression even when placed in a living room. Users have noted that it "blends better with interior décor compared to flashy mahjong parlor tables," allowing it to be set up like a piece of furniture. Furthermore, with the optional dedicated tabletop (table board), it can be used as a regular table when not in use.
The space-saving design is also a major advantage for home use. The Slim series (especially the "S" model) is the only automatic mahjong table that can be folded with two sets of mahjong tiles stored inside. This contributes to efficiency and time-saving as the table can be folded and stored without having to take the tiles in and out after play. When folded, it becomes compact at about 88cm wide and 50cm deep, making it possible to store in a corner of the room or in a closet when not in use.
Comfortable Play Experience with Advanced Features
The "Slim" series is cutting-edge not only in design but also in functionality. ALBAN Co. has generously incorporated the technology they've cultivated as pioneers of automatic mahjong tables, equipping the series with various features that make gameplay comfortable.
Score Display Function
The liquid crystal display in the center of the table automatically shows each player's points. Furthermore, score display models can simultaneously show everyone's scores, point differences, rankings, and total scoring sticks on a clear 6-digit display screen. This allows players to grasp their own and their opponents' score status at a glance during the game, eliminating calculation errors and effort.
In particular, the Slim Plus Score model adopts a unique system that displays point differences, rankings, and total points all at once, whereas conventional competitors' products only showed scores. The display screen has a backlight and a wide viewing angle, providing exceptional visibility whether in a bright window area or a dark room. The color scheme is designed to be easily visible even for those with color weakness, making it user-friendly for everyone.
Voice Guidance Function
The latest "Slim Voice" series features the industry's first voice guidance function. It includes recorded voices by popular voice actors Takeshi Koyama and Arisa Date, providing powerful and vibrant voice announcements at game start, when reaching, and other moments. This creates a production similar to having professional commentary at a tournament opening, enhancing home games.
Advanced Dice and Dealer Selection System
The dice box in the center of the table has also evolved significantly. While conventional types typically had a lid, the "Slim" adopts a lidless rising dice box. With dramatically fewer parts and a structure that prevents unnecessary unevenness or mat peeling, it prevents problems with dice outcomes and stumbling when discarding tiles.
It also features an automatic dealer selection function that eliminates the need for a dealer marker (parent marker), automatically displaying the dealer position according to the dice outcome at game start. This makes it immediately clear who is the East player, allowing for a smooth start to the game. It also includes a stick counter function that allows for one-touch management of reaching sticks and counter sticks, supporting up to 9 counters (some models support up to 5).
Instant Scoring Stick Storage System
This is an innovative scoring stick collection function that could be called ALBAN Co.'s patented feature. At the end of a game, all scoring sticks can be instantly stored inside by simply pouring the scattered scoring sticks on the table into the input ports (pockets) located beside each player's seat. There's no need to pick up scoring sticks one bundle at a time during cleanup, and no waiting for other players.
The collected scoring sticks are automatically counted inside the table, allowing for error-free tabulation and immediate accurate point display at the start of the next game. This function is installed in two places on both sides, and the slot positions for pouring in scoring sticks are marked on the frame, making it easy to insert without confusion.
Quiet & Eco-Friendly with Silent and Energy-Saving Design
For a mahjong table used at home, the quietness of operation and electricity costs are also concerns, but with the "Slim" series, you can rest assured. ALBAN Co. has also focused on noise reduction technology, greatly reducing the mechanical sounds during tile shuffling and dealing.
By eliminating the "beep" completion buzzer that used to sound when the tile wall was finished being built inside the table, and improving the drive sound quality during dice rotation, they've achieved an overall very quiet operation sound. Many users have commented that it's "quieter than imagined" and "quieter than manual stacking, usable in rental apartments even late at night without issues," allowing players to concentrate on the game without worrying about disturbing others in apartments and multi-unit housing.
Energy-saving design is also notable. While many conventional models and competitors' products use AC motors and consume about 120-190W of power, the "Slim" series adopts efficient DC motors, dramatically reducing power consumption to just about 80W. This is less than half the power consumption of a typical automatic mahjong table, keeping electricity costs down even during long hours of use and being environmentally friendly.
Selectable Model Variations and Ease of Use
The "Slim" series offers a wide range of model variations and customization elements to meet user needs. Tile sizes come in two options: the standard 28mm tiles and the one-size-larger, easier-to-see 33mm tiles (selectable depending on the model). The addition of 28mm models to the Slim series, which previously only had 33mm, addresses the desire to "play with the same 28mm tiles as in mahjong parlors."
The table legs can also be selected from two types according to the purpose: a folding, mobile leg type or a low table & table leg set type ideal for Japanese-style rooms. The folding leg type can be quickly stored after use and is popular with those who prioritize space-saving. On the other hand, the table leg + low table leg set offers a flexible configuration where players can normally play sitting on chairs with the table at high height, and when necessary, the legs can be changed to use it as a low table for sitting on the floor.
Colors come in clean white and chic black (some models have black metallic paint), allowing selection based on room atmosphere and preference. Options are also plentiful, including the aforementioned table board, additional sets of scoring sticks and tiles, and dedicated protective covers.
Outstanding Points Compared to Competing Products
While there are various automatic mahjong tables on the market, the "Slim" series is a step ahead in many respects. Below is a summary of the outstanding advantages when compared to other home automatic mahjong tables.
Space-Saving and Storage
While some competing tables also offer folding functions, the ability to fold with tiles still inside is a major strength unique to the "Slim." Other products may require returning tiles to their box every time or may not support folding at all. With a folding leg type "Slim," the process from end of play to folded storage takes just a few minutes, making it dramatically more convenient.
Design and Premium Feel
Traditional mahjong table brands often had rugged designs that prioritized function, which some felt didn't fit well in homes. The "Slim" achieves a refined look through original design, with elegance that looks good even in a living room. Actual purchasers have evaluated it as having a "premium feel" and "blending well with the room," indicating high satisfaction as a piece of interior even when not playing mahjong.
Quietness and Power Efficiency
While other products also claim silent design, the quietness of the "Slim" is outstanding. User comparisons have described it as "overwhelmingly quieter than other tables" and "quieter than manual stacking," which is a major advantage for playing without concern even at night. Additionally, the 80W power consumption energy-saving performance is at a level that competing models cannot match, meeting modern needs for consideration of electricity costs and environmental impact.
Comprehensive Score Display Function
While tables with score displays exist elsewhere, the "Slim" leads in the amount and visibility of displayed information. For example, while some competitor models have color LCD score displays, they may require button operation to check point differences or have limited information viewable at once. In contrast, the "Slim Plus Score" achieves display of point differences, rankings, and total points all on one screen from its launch. It's well-received for eliminating the need to calculate scores during matches, allowing concentration on the game itself. The accuracy and reliability of the IC scoring sticks are also top-notch, leading competing products in the overall power of the scoring function.
Unique Additional Functions
Unique features such as voice guidance and instant scoring stick storage are exclusive to the "Slim" series at present. These functions that combine playfulness and practicality are unavailable from competitors and are rated by mahjong fans as "addressing the subtle pain points." The "Slim" also pays attention to details of usability (such as indentations for reaching stick placement and touch sensor adoption), making it a table created from the user's perspective when viewed comprehensively. These are differentiation points made possible by the fusion of ALBAN Co.'s years of experience and new ideas.
User Feedback and Market Needs
Users who have introduced the "Slim" series have provided many positive evaluations of its performance and usability. For example, comments such as "the moment the tiles automatically rise is impressive" and "it offers speed and comfort that can't be experienced with manual stacking," as well as reviews like "it's quiet enough to use in a rental without issues" and "assembly is simple and operation is smooth." One user even emphatically stated, "The quietness and functionality are more than sufficient for this price. If you're hesitating, buy it," suggesting that the "Slim" provides satisfaction beyond expectations.
This user feedback precisely reflects current market needs. The trends for home automatic mahjong tables emphasize "compact storage when not in use," "the convenience of machine-handled scoring calculation," "quietness that doesn't disturb even late at night," and "economical energy efficiency."
Additionally, in a context of increased desire to "easily enjoy authentic mahjong with family and friends," the voice function that offers production like professional play and the scoring management function that meets serious player needs provide significant added value.
ALBAN Co.'s "Slim" series can be said to accurately meet these needs while providing an even more advanced level of comfort and enjoyment. Its achievement in making automatic mahjong tables, which were traditionally considered high-threshold items, more accessible to general households is significant, responding to the desire to "make mahjong more familiar."
Conclusion
- The New Mahjong Experience Brought by the "Slim"
ALBAN Co.'s automatic mahjong table "Slim" series possesses outstanding charm in all aspects of technology, design, and convenience. In addition to its slim, lightweight, space-saving, quiet, and energy-efficient design optimal for modern living environments, it also features player-oriented functions such as score display and voice guidance. It's understandable that it has gained support from a wide range of users, from mahjong enthusiasts to beginner families, given its many unique features and advantages compared to competing products.
The automatic mahjong table "Slim" allows you to enjoy intense games at home with automatically stacked tiles and without the hassle of score calculation. Its high-quality and smart mahjong experience will undoubtedly become indispensable once experienced. The "Slim," which maximizes the enjoyment of mahjong and provides new value to everyday mahjong life, can be said to be the most compelling choice for those considering purchasing a mahjong table.
Both models feature the instant point stick storage system "Pocket" on both sides,
as seen in the Amos Rex 3, enabling quicker and smarter point stick management.
The adoption of DC motors ensures low power consumption and quiet operation.
Design-wise, the series boasts simple yet elegant lines inspired by luxury cars
and high-end audio equipment. Available in white or black, it complements any interior decor.
The series is packed with user-friendly features, including automatic dealer selection,
one-touch "honba" (repeat) display supporting up to 9 repeats, and the ability to fold with
two
sets of tiles stored inside.
Each seat is equipped with a USB port for smartphone charging.
The "Slim Voice" series offers a choice of 28mm or 33mm tile sizes and comes in either table
or
low table leg configurations.
Made from high-quality materials, it ensures durability for long-term use.
The eco-friendly design also considers environmental impact.
From beginners to professionals, the "Slim Voice" series caters to a wide range of Mahjong
enthusiasts.
Experience the pinnacle of Mahjong with this series, the culmination of over 30 years of
Alban's
technology and experience.
Choose the model that best suits you and enjoy exciting Mahjong sessions with friends
anytime,
anywhere.
With the "Slim Voice" series, every day can be a Mahjong day!
