Bsun Light Sakura vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Mahjong are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences and environments. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing and prefer a discreet keyboard experience—ideal for offices or shared spaces where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme and distinctive, lively sound signature, providing a more textured typing experience that could appeal to gamers and casual typists alike. While the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and quietude, the Mahjong offers a bouncy, polished touch that many find satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Mahjong employ different materials for their respective top housings, resulting in distinct auditory profiles and texture experiences. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This clear and resonant sound enhances the effect of RGB lighting thanks to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Mahjong features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its smoothness and slightly higher coefficient of friction. While both materials contribute to a notable sound experience, the polyurethane enhances clarity and brightness, while POK leans toward producing a smooth clack, indicating that users will experience a different tactile feedback and auditory result based on the material used.
The bottom housings of the two switches also differ significantly, which further influences the overall sound profile. In the case of the Light Sakura, the use of polycarbonate again creates a sharper, crisper sound resonance that helps maintain consistency throughout the switch, particularly when bottoming out during typing. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong opts for a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties. This choice in material absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory experience. This contrast between the polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings adds a layer of complexity to how each switch will respond when pressed, reaffirming the idea that different materials can dramatically influence user experience.
In summary, although both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Mahjong aim to provide an engaging typing experience, they achieve this through their varying housing materials. The Light Sakura's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings helps create an overall sharper, resonant sound, while the Mahjong balances its POK top housing's smoothness with a nylon bottom housing's fuller sound profile. This nuanced approach to material selection means that users will experience differences across both the tactile and auditory realms depending on their choice of switches. If a switch features a combination of high-pitched and deeper sounds—reflective of its individual housing materials—users might find the perfect switch tailored to their personal sensory preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This significant difference indicates that the Light Sakura is designed for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Light Sakura is 43 grams, providing a tactile response as it bottoms out, whereas the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unfortunately unknown. This lack of data prevents a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, users seeking a lighter and more responsive typing experience may favor the Bsun Light Sakura, while those desiring a firmer resistance should consider the Dareu Mahjong.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mahjong has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Bsun Light Sakura offers a more substantial depth in its actuation compared to the Dareu Mahjong, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing their keys. Conversely, the Mahjong's 3.4 mm travel distance may be preferable for those seeking a quicker response, typical of modern gaming preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness; the Light Sakura is better suited for those who favor a deeper actuation, while the Mahjong caters to gamers looking for faster performance with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 Light Sakura is designed for a quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is paramount. This switch aims for a silent performance that minimizes distractions during typing, making it particularly appealing for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch exhibits a more lively and poppy sound signature, which adds character to the typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, the Mahjong provides a balanced auditory feedback that caters to most preferences, suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. While the Light Sakura prioritizes silence, the Mahjong brings a moderate sound that still manages to maintain an engaging auditory element.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light and gentle operation, resulting in a typing experience designed to reduce fatigue during extended use. This switch emphasizes comfort, allowing typists to engage in long writing sessions without discomfort. Conversely, the Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy characteristics, providing a spring-like feel that energizes each keystroke. Its mild attributes allow for a gentle but responsive typing experience, appealing to a broad audience. The polished finish of the Mahjong ensures smooth key travel and minimal friction, enhancing the overall typing experience significantly. In essence, while the Light Sakura focuses on a feather-light touch for comfort, the Mahjong offers a dynamic and lively feedback that can make typing feel more engaging.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Light Sakura and Dareu Mahjong switches offer distinctive qualities, they cater to different typing preferences. The Light Sakura’s silent, ultra-light feel is ideal for those who prioritize a discreet and gentle experience, especially in shared environments. On the other hand, the Mahjong provides a more vibrant auditory and tactile experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy feedback and engagement in their typing sessions. Depending on individual needs, these switches will lead to contrasting yet fulfilling results in terms of sound and feel, giving newcomers a variety of options to explore in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches should ultimately align with your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a light, silent switch that promotes comfort during extensive typing sessions, the Bsun Light Sakura is a fantastic option. Its quiet nature makes it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces where minimizing noise is a priority. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lively and engaging typing experience, the Dareu Mahjong switches offer a delightful bouncy feel coupled with a neutral sound profile that accommodates various usage contexts. Their polished design ensures smooth key travel, making them a great choice if you enjoy a more responsive switch for gaming or tactile enjoyment. Therefore, consider your environment and how you want your keyboard to feel and sound when deciding between these two distinct switches.
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