Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Mahjong both present enticing options for users who appreciate linear switches, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who value responsiveness and a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong, recognized for its vibrant green and white aesthetics, features a lively, poppy sound signature paired with a bouncy yet mild feel, providing an effortless typing experience that many users find delightful. While both switches cater to those looking for smooth keystrokes, their unique auditory and tactile profiles suggest differing user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
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 comparing the top housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Mahjong, we observe distinct differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles and overall performance. The Chiikawa utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. This material's stiffness enhances resonance, making it particularly effective for those who value a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the Mahjong features a POK top housing, which, while also providing clarity, is primarily characterized by its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction. This allows for a gliding typing experience and contributes to a clackier sound profile. Thus, if one were to use both switches side by side, the Chiikawa would likely deliver a brighter accentuation in its sound while the Mahjong would provide a more muted, yet smoother feedback during keypresses.
In terms of their bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a well-regarded classic in switch manufacturing. This shared material results in a similar impact on typing sound and feel, as nylon is inherently softer and absorbs sound waves better than harder plastics. As such, both the Chiikawa and Mahjong will yield a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience for users who prefer a rounded and muted key typing. Therefore, when pressing these switches, one can expect a consistent performance in the bottom-out sound and feel between the two, making them strikingly comparable despite the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the interplay between the housing materials in these switches results in a nuanced typing experience for users. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and POK in the top housing of the Chiikawa - 45g and Dareu Mahjong create distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences. However, the similarities in their nylon bottom housing ensure a cohesive deeper sound across both models. This combination allows for the individual lucidity of each switch’s characteristics while maintaining a shared foundational acoustic experience, illustrating how materials can be leveraged to create varied yet compatible outcomes in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a medium-light typing experience. This consistency in actuation force suggests that both switches will provide similar tactile responses and ease of use, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Chiikawa has a defined bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has an unknown bottom out force, leaving its overall tactile feedback and keystroke experience a bit uncertain. Therefore, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g ultimately provides a clearer response at the bottom of the keystroke, appealing more to those who desire that tangible sensation. In terms of weight preference, the Chiikawa is on the heavier side at its bottom out force, while the Mahjong's lack of a specified bottom out force leaves it categorized as lighter, though its overall feel remains ambiguous.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the Mahjong measuring 3.4 mm. This makes the Mahjong the shorter of the two switches, which may be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Chiikawa, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keypress. While both switches cater to different preferences, opting for the shorter Mahjong could result in quicker actuation, whereas the Chiikawa may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g 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 - 45g 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched noise when typing. This makes it not only responsive but also engaging for those who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a lively and poppy sound signature, which contributes to an energetic typing atmosphere. Both switches have distinct sound qualities, but it’s essential to recognize that the final sound can vary based on the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used, meaning each user could have a unique auditory experience with either switch.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is noted for its very light actuation force, delivering a quick and effortless typing experience. However, the Mahjong switch introduces a rich texture with its bouncy characteristic, providing that spring-like feedback for a lively sensation with each keystroke. This is complemented by its mild nature, making it approachable for most users, while its polished finish ensures smooth key travel and a refined typing feel. In essence, the Chiikawa switch leans towards a light and responsive touch, while the Mahjong offers a broader spectrum with bouncy, mild, and polished sensations.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offers a bright sound profile and a very light actuation that focuses on a responsive typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switches bring forth a lively sound signature and a more diverse tactile experience with their bouncy, mild, and polished attributes. Ultimately, both switches present unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, so your choice between them will largely depend on what aspects you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force, a bright sound profile, and a very responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its crisp, high-pitched sound can enhance your typing experience, making each keypress feel lively. On the other hand, if you're after a more playful, bouncy feel that provides a spring-like feedback with a unique poppy sound signature, then the Mahjong switch may be the way to go. Additionally, the Mahjong's polished design ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy a gentle touch and a lively response. Ultimately, your decision should align with the typing experience you desire: go for the Chiikawa for a bright and responsive touch, or choose the Mahjong for a bouncy and smooth feel.
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