Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Dareu Mahjong offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, paired with a bright sound profile that enhances feedback without being overly intrusive. Its simplicity and fluidity make it an attractive choice for users seeking a seamless typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong, distinguished by its eye-catching green and white color scheme, presents a lively and poppy sound signature that can inject a bit of fun into your typing sessions. The Mahjong switches are characterized as 'bouncy,' 'mild,' 'neutral,' and 'polished', appealing to those who enjoy a tactile yet subtle feedback. While both switches are linear and provide smooth keystrokes, their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities differ significantly. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Dareu Mahjong, we see a distinct contrast in their top housings while noting similarities in their bottom housings. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, praised for producing a uniquely muted and deeper sound profile. This quieter output can be attributed to POM's inherent material properties, which contribute to a sound that is subdued and pleasant for users seeking a more restrained auditory experience. In contrast, the Mahjong features a POK (Polyketone) top housing that provides a smoother typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction. While the POK material contributes to a more clacky and high-pitched sound, the differences suggest that users may have varied experiences based on the choice of top housing material.
Aside from the distinctive qualities of each switch's top housing, both switches share a common material for their bottom housing: nylon. This classic material is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile that is appreciated by users. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, we can expect a similar sound characteristic—the rounded and subdued quality related to nylon's softness. This shared material is crucial, as it creates a baseline sound signature that will resonate similarly between the two switches when you press down on them, allowing users to enjoy a familiar auditory experience despite the variations in the top housings.
The overall impact of the housing materials is especially noticeable when considering how these different components work together in practice. The Bumblebee Linear's more muted POM top may yield a softer release sound, while the Mahjong's POK top is likely to deliver a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, the underlying nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in unifying the typing experience across both switches, ensuring that, regardless of the contrasts, users can expect a consistent depth and fullness in sound. Ultimately, whether users prefer the smoothness of POK or the subtlety of POM, the nylon bottom housing ensures that they will enjoy a satisfying and rich tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch with the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similar actuation force suggests that users of both switches can expect a similar typing experience when initiating key presses, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Bumblebee Linear also has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a slight resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is not specified, leaving users uncertain about its feel when bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches offer the same light actuation force, the Bumblebee Linear provides a measurable bottom out experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a defined tactile feedback. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter feel with known force measures, the Bumblebee is the better choice; however, the Mahjong's unknown bottom out force leaves some ambiguity in its user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the Mahjong's shorter travel distance might be the more appealing choice, offering a rapid actuation. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, as its longer travel distance provides a greater sense of depth. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Dareu Mahjong is the better option, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch is the way to go.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, contributing to a pleasant auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch exhibits a more lively and poppy sound signature, which adds a fun element to the acoustic feedback. While both switches provide unique auditory characteristics, the Bumblebee's brightness and the Mahjong's liveliness offer engaging yet different sound moments. However, the absolute experience can also greatly depend on the board and keycaps used, potentially yielding similar results regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it akin to gliding over the keys without any bumps or interruptions. Conversely, the Mahjong switch introduces a bouncy sensation, providing an elastic feedback that gives a spring-like rebound when keys are pressed. Additionally, the Mahjong's mild feeling may present a gentle typing experience that is more approachable, complemented by its polished nature that ensures a smooth and refined touch. While the Bumblebee emphasizes a seamless experience, the Mahjong’s lively and bouncy characteristics invite a more dynamic interaction, catering to different preferences.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Dareu Mahjong switches present appealing options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world, each with their unique sound and feel attributes. The Bumblebee excels with its bright audio and ultra-smooth typing experience, while the Mahjong stands out for its lively acoustics coupled with a bouncy, polished feel. While sound and feel diverge, both switches can ultimately accommodate diverse typing styles and preferences depending on the keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch should ultimately align with your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light touch and smoothness in every keystroke, the Bumblebee Linear with its 50-gram bottom out force is an excellent choice, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience suited for both casual and intensive typing sessions. Its bright sound profile adds a lively atmosphere, making it great for those who enjoy an acoustically engaging environment. Conversely, if you appreciate a more versatile and neutral typing experience, the Mahjong switch might be better suited for you. With its mild, bouncy feel and polished finish, it delivers an effortless yet lively typing experience that caters to a broader audience, from beginners to advanced users. Moreover, the distinctive color scheme and poppy sound signature of the Mahjong switches can add a unique aesthetic and auditory pleasure to your setup. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, the ambiance you desire, and how you plan to utilize your keyboard, ensuring that you find the perfect switch for your needs.
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