Bsun Cliff vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch. The Cliff is recognized for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, which allows for satisfying feedback while typing, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a tactile response without overpowering noise. In contrast, the Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme and offer a lively, poppy sound signature paired with a smooth, effortless typing experience—ideal for those who prefer a more linear feel without the tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you're looking for the engaging feedback of a tactile switch or the seamless flow of a linear switch. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Mahjong exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, with the Cliff utilizing polycarbonate and the Mahjong employing POK (polyketone). Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This rigidity allows for an exceptionally clear and resonant audio experience, especially in configurations featuring RGB lighting, as the material's translucency enhances visual aesthetics alongside sound quality. On the other hand, the Mahjong’s POK material, while also distinguished for smoothness, grants a different auditory feedback. Its lower coefficient of friction (0.04 compared to polycarbonate's likely higher) contributes to a sound profile that leans towards a smooth and clacky tone, elevating the tactile experience for users accustomed to a distinct keystroke resonance.
In terms of their bottom housing construction, both the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon, a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community. The properties of nylon—being a softer plastic—endow both switches with a deeper, fuller sound profile. This training in acoustics helps absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a softer, rounder key feel and sound when bottoming out. The shared use of nylon as a bottom housing material indicates that regardless of the differences in their top housing, users can expect a familiar auditory experience tied to the signature characteristics of nylon, thus creating an inviting contrast to the sound produced by the polycarbonate and POK top housings.
Combining the qualities of both the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and Dareu Mahjong, the user can appreciate how these variations affect the overall experience. While the Cliff may provide a bright and clear top-end response due to its polycarbonate upper, the deeper tones reinforced by the nylon bottom can offer a sense of balance. Conversely, the Mahjong's POK top infuses a unique clackiness and smoothness, fully supported by the robust resonance of its nylon bottom. Ultimately, while the two switch designs showcase distinct auditory characteristics driven by their upper housing material differences, the foundational nylon component ensures that a common sound signature emerges, blending the best of both worlds in mechanical keyboard acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, which may influence user experience. The Bsun Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unavailable, which leaves a gap in our ability to fully compare the two in that regard. With the available information, it is clear that the Bsun Cliff switch is the lighter option, suitable for users seeking ease of use, while the Dareu Mahjong switch caters to those who favor a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Cliff switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Cliff switch provides a slightly deeper experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong switch is favored by gamers who seek quicker response times, allowing for a more rapid activation with less effort. Therefore, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the Mahjong would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate more pronounced depth might lean towards the Bsun Cliff.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, each presents a unique auditory experience. The Cliff tactile switch is known for its crisp sound signature that complements its medium tactility. This crispness typically means a more pronounced keystroke sound, making it ideal for typists who enjoy auditory feedback with each press. In contrast, the Mahjong linear switch has a lively, poppy sound profile, giving it a distinct auditory presence that enhances the typing experience. This liveliness can make typing feel more engaging and dynamic. Ultimately, while both switches provide satisfying acoustic feedback, the Cliff emphasizes crispness, while the Mahjong leans towards a more vibrant and lively auditory output.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Cliff switch is noted for its medium tactility, providing a satisfying bump without being overly harsh, which allows for a balanced typing experience. This mild tactile feedback can promote a rhythm in typing without causing fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switch introduces a bouncy sensation with its lively nature. This bounciness contributes to a spring-like feedback, enhancing the overall comfort and engagement while typing. Furthermore, the Mahjong switch is described as mild and polished, suggesting a smooth and gentle typing action that is refined to reduce friction. The combination of these attributes makes the Mahjong an appealing choice for those seeking a softer and more fluid typing experience, while the Cliff caters well to those who appreciate distinct tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Dareu Mahjong switches present their own merits in sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cliff offers a crisp auditory feedback with a moderate tactile bump, ideal for users who enjoy clear keystrokes, while the Mahjong provides a poppy sound and a bouncy, mild, and polished feel that promotes a smoother typing experience. Choosing between them will largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel; however, both can deliver satisfying results that enhance typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a medium actuation force and appreciate a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switch may be the right fit for you. This is particularly true if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Mahjong switch offers a bouncy feel that is both lively and approachable. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're in a quiet office or at home. Thus, if you value a switch that offers a polished and mild touch while also providing a fun auditory experience, the Mahjong would likely be your best bet. In summary, consider the Bsun Cliff for a tactile, engaging typing experience and the Dareu Mahjong for a smooth, poppy feel conducive to long typing sessions.
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