Kailh Box White vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Mahjong, a linear switch. The Box White is favored for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Mahjong stands out with its unique green and white color scheme, offering a lively sound signature and effortless typing experience. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, the Mahjong is bouncy, mild, and neutral. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; however, let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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 White and the Dareu Mahjong feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the Mahjong's POK top housing offers exceptional durability and smoothness with its coefficient of friction and resistance against wear and shock. In contrast, the Box White's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. Despite these differences, both switches provide a clear and resonant sound profile due to their stiff plastic construction.
On the other hand, both the Box White and the Mahjong use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a rounder and more muted sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound feedback and feel. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing has a larger impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Kailh Box White and the Dareu Mahjong contributes to their unique sound profiles and durability. The differences in materials, such as polycarbonate and POK for the top housing, and nylon for the bottom housing, result in distinct typing experiences while providing a balance of sound clarity and tactile feedback. Whether opting for the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the smooth and durable properties of POK, switch enthusiasts can choose a housing material that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that the Box White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams, making the Mahjong the lighter option. However, the bottom out force of the Box White is 60 grams, while the Mahjong's bottom out force is unknown. The Box White provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, while the Mahjong may offer a lighter typing feel due to its lower actuation force. Both switches offer different weight options that cater to individual preferences, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White 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 that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong. Gamers looking for a more responsive feel may prefer the Box White, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Mahjong. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close travel distances, ensuring that users will get comparable results when typing or gaming.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched audio feedback, creating a clean and sharp sound profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch provides a more neutral sound profile with a moderate pitch, suitable for various typing environments. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, users may prefer the lively and sharp sound of the Box White or the more versatile sound of the Mahjong switch.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy and mild feedback, providing a spring-like sensation and a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Box White emphasizing smoothness and refinement while the Mahjong focuses on a lively and comfortable typing sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White excels in producing a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, coupled with a polished and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Mahjong switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and bouncy, mild feedback, delivering an effortless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the more accentuated feedback of the Box White or the versatile and comfortable typing experience of the Mahjong switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for auditory and tactile feedback. If you enjoy the crisp "stepping on autumn leaves" sound and accented tactility that the Box White offers, then this switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, spring-like typing experience, the Mahjong switch could be the better option. Be sure to consider factors such as bottom out force and the overall typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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