Kailh Box Navy vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with a choice between a clicky switch and a linear switch, each offering unique characteristics. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the satisfying sound and tactility of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, providing a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a lively sound signature. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Mahjong feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a crisper sound profile and are ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing is known for its sharp and high-pitched sound, while the Mahjong's POK top housing is praised for its smooth and durable qualities. Despite these slight differences, both materials offer excellent sound quality and visual appeal due to their translucency.
On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Box Navy and the Mahjong contributes to a rounder sound and a comfortable typing experience. This classic switch housing material is known for its ability to enhance the tactile feedback and overall typing experience for users.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Mahjong may differ, they both offer unique benefits that enhance the sound and feel of the switches. The split between the qualities each housing material brings allows for a well-rounded typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when keys are released. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the smoother feel of POK, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Navy switch will require more force to register a keystroke. Additionally, the Box Navy switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the bottom out force of the Mahjong switch is unknown. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy switch makes it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the Mahjong switch may be preferred by those who want a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Navy being slightly longer than the Mahjong. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Navy switch due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more traditional and deeper key press may find the Mahjong switch to be more to their liking. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with slight variations that cater to different preferences.
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 Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing scenarios. The Box Navy will give you a more immersive auditory experience with its sharp and clean sound, while the Mahjong offers a more versatile and moderate sound profile that can be used in different settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps you use.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a tactile typing experience with a strong and crisp bump. This switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate, providing a satisfying and reactive feel with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch is bouncy, mild, and polished, offering a more elastic feedback sensation. With a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel, the Mahjong switch provides a comfortable and refined typing experience suitable for various users.
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and intense tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a versatile switch with a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, smooth typing feel, the Dareu Mahjong switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a loud and clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. The 90-gram bottom out force and distinctive vintage feel make these switches stand out for enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more moderate typing experience with a unique color scheme, the Dareu Mahjong linear switches might be more up your alley. With their lively sound signature and effortless typing feel, these switches offer a different experience compared to the heavy and tactile Box Navy switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider your priorities and preferences to make the decision that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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