Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Mahjong mechanical switches, both linear switches bring their own unique flair and performance to the typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is particularly renowned for its extremely light 28g actuation force, enabling a swift and responsive keystroke that is accompanied by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their eye-catching green and white aesthetic, delivering a reliable, bouncy feel and a lively, poppy sound signature that adds a spirited touch to your keystrokes. While the Chiikawa - 28g may appeal to those who favor a lighter touch and quick response time, the Mahjong’s balanced combination of feel and sound creates a more textured typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Mahjong switches, a notable contrast emerges between their respective top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material’s stiffer nature. This quality leads to clear sound resonance, particularly heightened when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the Dareu Mahjong employs POK, or polyketone, which is known for its smoothness and durability, offering a clacky sound profile. While both materials strive to create acoustically pleasing results, they do so through fundamentally different physical properties—polycarbonate’s rigidity versus POK’s higher coefficient of friction.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a common feature in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This classic material is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than its harder counterparts. Consequently, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Mahjong provide a rounder sound experience at bottom-out. With nylon serving as a common denominator for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory sensation from both switches, particularly in terms of lower-end frequency resonance.
Ultimately, the overall sound and feel of each switch will be influenced by the combination of its top and bottom housing materials. While the Chiikawa - 28g’s polycarbonate top may deliver clarity and resonance, it is complemented by nylon’s richer sound at the bottom end, leading to a balanced acoustic profile. The Dareu Mahjong, with its POK top housing, offers smoothness and durability, fluctuating with the nylon base's muffled sound. Although the tonal characteristics differ, both switches can be expected to deliver an engaging typing experience due to their shared use of nylon, creating a genre of sound that blends the attributes of each material in a harmonious way.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less force to engage. In contrast, the Mahjong switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Chiikawa is 34 grams, providing a noticeable resistance that adds to its tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare that aspect. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that minimizes finger fatigue over long periods, the Bsun Chiikawa would be the optimal choice, while the Dareu Mahjong may suit those who favor a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch reveals a slight difference in their specifications. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel during use, the Mahjong switch may provide a quicker response due to its shorter distance. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced depth when actuating keys might lean towards the Chiikawa switch, as its 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper experience. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the longer option, while the Mahjong switch is the shorter, making them suitable for different user preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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.
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 Chiikawa - 28g switch produces a bright, crisp, and high-pitched auditory profile that can be quite lively during typing sessions. This sharp sound can be enjoyable for those who prefer a more responsive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch delivers a poppy sound signature that is also characterized as lively, which means it has its own distinct charm when pressed. Both switches can offer engaging sound experiences, but the Chiikawa’s higher pitch might be more prominent and penetrating, whereas the Mahjong might feel more rounded in comparison. Ultimately, the sound you experience can also be influenced by your keyboard's design and the keycap material you choose.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, which results in a responsive typing experience that might not carry the same bounce or resistance as heavier switches. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a bouncy quality that brings a spring-like feedback, making it feel lively during use. Additionally, its mild characteristics provide a gentle typing experience, ensuring that beginners and seasoned users alike can enjoy its tactile feedback without feeling overwhelmed. To complement this, the polished nature of the Mahjong switch guarantees smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Chiikawa may lack some of the bounciness and refined feel that the Mahjong offers, making the latter potentially more satisfying for those who appreciate a tactile sensation.
Overall, while both the Chiikawa - 28g and Dareu Mahjong linear switches provide distinct typing experiences, they appeal to slightly different preferences. The Chiikawa excels with its light actuation force and bright sound, perfect for users who want quick and responsive feedback. Conversely, the Mahjong switch offers a well-rounded typing experience with its bouncy feel and enjoyable sound signature, ideal for those seeking a mix of liveliness and smoothness. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to individual preference for sound and feel; however, if you appreciate the qualities of either switch, you’re likely to find satisfaction in both choices.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you crave a distinctly lighter feel with a responsive action, the Chiikawa - 28g with its 34g bottom-out force would likely be your best choice, particularly if you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile that adds a lively ambiance to your typing experience. This switch is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick reflexes are vital. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience with a bouncy, elastic feedback, the Dareu Mahjong switch might be more suitable for you. Its neutral sound and mild characteristics make it versatile, catering to both casual usage and professional settings without causing fatigue from prolonged use. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize ultralight responsiveness or seek a balanced, enjoyable tactile experience that complements a variety of tasks.
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