Kailh BCP vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Mahjong are two compelling options within the linear switch category, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP stands out with its reimagined design that eliminates disassembly hassles while delivering a creamy and elastic feel, complemented by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience without the fuss of regular maintenance. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches, characterized by their distinctive green and white color scheme, provide a polished feel with a mild yet bouncy typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a more straightforward, enjoyable interaction without too much auditory distraction. While both switches offer lively sound signatures and smooth performance, the choice ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and Dareu Mahjong switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, contributing to different auditory and tactile experiences during use. The BCP switch utilizes a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deep and full sound profile. This quality arises from nylon’s softer and more pliable nature, which allows it to dampen vibrations that would otherwise produce a sharper audio context. In contrast, the Mahjong employs POK material for its top housing, distinguished by its durability and smoothness. While it produces a notably clacky sound, it does so with a slight enhancement in friction, compared to the nylon used in the BCP. This variation can lead users to experience a sharper sound profile when letting go of a key, differing from the more muted, rounded sound produced by the BCP switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Kailh BCP and Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon, which allows for consistent auditory characteristics across both models when it comes to the bottom-out sound. Since nylon is a material that excels in absorbing sound, both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound when the key is fully pressed down. The shared use of nylon here serves as a common ground for the switches, ensuring that users will experience a similar resonance during bottoming out. However, the overall performance and sound signature of each switch will hinge on the contrasting top materials, with the BCP's nylon promoting a softer sound versus the Mahjong's POK enhancing clarity through a sharper, clackier response.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the BCP and Mahjong have a significant influence on the overall typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing to provide a rich and muted audio profile upon bottoming out, the top housing materials diverge in the sound they produce when releasing a key. The BCP's nylon top helps maintain the softer tones, while the Mahjong's POK top contributes to a more pronounced and vibrant sound, creating a notable distinction in their auditory feedback. Users can expect analogous results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, but the individual characteristics of each switch will be primarily shaped by the unique top housing materials used.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, affecting the user experience. The BCP has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Mahjong's lighter 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. However, the absence of an available bottom out force for the Mahjong makes it difficult to fully assess its performance in that respect. In contrast, the BCP's bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance once the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Mahjong, while those who enjoy a firmer touch might opt for the Kailh BCP. Overall, the differences in actuation force highlight the personal preference users should consider when selecting between these two linear switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This minor difference indicates that while both switches are designed for responsive performance, the Kailh BCP will provide a slightly deeper feel when pressing the keys. Gamers looking for quicker response times might appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong switch, as it allows for faster actuation. However, for users who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, the BCP switch may be the better choice due to its increased travel distance. In summary, the BCP offers a longer travel distance, resulting in a fuller keypress experience, whereas the Mahjong is the shorter option, catering to those who prioritize speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 it comes to sound, the Kailh BCP linear switches produce a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making them quite distinctive in their audible feedback. The sound is lively and engaging, enhancing the overall typing experience with a certain character. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches offer a lively and poppy sound as well, though the sound is described as neutral. This suggests they maintain a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. While both switches share an energetic auditory response, the BCP’s clackiness contrasts with the Mahjong's more balanced approach, which may feel less pronounced depending on the typing scenario.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switches exhibit a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, providing a robust typing experience that’s both enjoyable and dynamic. This bouncy characteristic adds to the tactile feedback one experiences while typing, contributing to a more engaging interaction. The Dareu Mahjong switches, on the other hand, are characterized by their bouncy feel as well, offering a spring-like sensation upon keypress. Additionally, the Mahjong switches are described as mild and polished, indicating a smooth and refined feel that makes for a generally pleasant typing experience. The combination of these qualities allows the Mahjong to appeal to a broader range of preferences, while the BCP focuses more on an energetic and tactile outcome.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Dareu Mahjong linear switches promise an engaging experience with their lively and bouncy characteristics. However, the auditory aspects diverge slightly, with the BCP offering a clackier sound profile compared to the Mahjong's more neutral tone. In terms of tactile feedback, while both provide a bouncy sensation, the Mahjong further boasts polished and mild qualities that might cater to users seeking a gentler touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both options can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with their distinct nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider what type of typing experience you value most. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a bit more resistance—63.5 grams of bottom-out force that can provide the tactile feedback you're seeking—the BCP might be your ideal choice. Its creamy, elastic, and bouncy nature, accompanied by a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile, makes it great for those who enjoy a more engaging and dynamic typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that is both lively and approachable, the Dareu Mahjong switches could be more suitable for you. With their bouncy feedback and polite sound signature, they cater well to both beginners and experienced users alike. Their smooth, polished finish affords a refined typing experience that's easy on the fingers, making them excellent for long typing periods or a working environment. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you seek a heavier, expressive typing experience or a lighter, more neutral one.
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