Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Mahjong offer two distinct experiences. The Box Royal is a tactile switch, known for its sharp and aggressive tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile of the Box Royals adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong is a linear switch with a unique green and white color scheme that sets it apart. Known for its bouncy and polished feel, along with a lively and poppy sound signature, the Mahjong switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Mahjong switches both have their unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mahjong's POK top housing provides a smoother and clackier typing experience, along with exceptional durability and shock resistance. While both materials offer distinct advantages, the Mahjong's POK material stands out for its superior strength and wear resistance compared to nylon.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and the Dareu Mahjong switches use nylon for this component. This means that the typing experience in terms of sound and feel will be quite similar for both switches, as nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced in the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes, while the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for both switches.
While the top housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Mahjong switches offer different characteristics, their nylon bottom housings provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. This consistent bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the impact of the bottom housing more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, whether using the Box Royal with its nylon top housing or the Mahjong with its POK top housing, the typing experience is enhanced by the shared nylon bottom housing material.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Box Royal the heavier switch of the two. The actuation force is crucial for the initial keystroke, determining how much force is needed to register a key press. On the other hand, the bottom out force is related to how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. The Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force, which may be preferred by some users for a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong's bottom out force remains a mystery, which could be a deciding factor for some users who prefer to know the exact force required for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Box Royal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong. In general, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more solid and satisfying feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on individual needs and 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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal switch offers a high-pitched and sharp tone, generating a crisp sound with each keystroke. This can be favorable for those who prefer a more distinct and clear auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch presents a more neutral sound profile, appealing to a broader range of users with its moderate actuation force requirement and sound level. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, delivering a high intensity feedback sensation with each key press. This can result in a more pronounced and defined typing experience for users who enjoy a noticeable tactile response. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a bouncy and lively feel, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Mahjong switch is described as mild and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined key travel experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Mahjong switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal switch provides a sharp and high-pitched sound with a strong tactile bump, suitable for users seeking a highly tactile and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch presents a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, polished feel, catering to a wider audience with its smooth and refined typing feedback. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values intense tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Box Royal's sharp and crisp tactile bump provides a satisfying typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts seeking a more aggressive tactile switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy and polished feel, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Dareu Mahjong linear switch would be a great option for you. The Mahjong's unique design, lively typing experience, and smooth key travel make it a standout choice for those looking for a more versatile and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactile intensity and sound profile.
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