Dareu Mahjong vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options are the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, each offering a distinct typing experience tailored to different user preferences. The Mahjong switch, characterized by its vibrant green and white color scheme, boasts a lively sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid and effortless typing experience. Its bouncy and polished feel contributes to a satisfying and efficient keystroke, appealing to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a more straightforward engagement. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch features all-POM housings that deliver a resonant and deep sound, complemented by pronounced tactile feedback designed to provide a sharp clarity with each press. This unique design results in a tangible response that is especially rewarding for users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing, making it an invigorating choice for those who thrive on feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and auditory experience; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Bsun Olive, significant differences emerge that influence their respective sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, offering a clackier sound profile reminiscent of high-quality switches. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides a slightly superior friction experience compared to the Olives' POM top housing, which measures at 0.03. Furthermore, the exceptional strength and wear resistance of the POK material—14 times stronger than POM—imply that the Mahjong's top housing may endure heavier usage while contributing to a more dynamic auditory experience.
In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing imparts a unique, deeper sound profile, albeit less clacky than the Mahjong's. Switches crafted with POM material typically foster a more muted and rounded sound when compared to the sharper notes produced by POK. Though both materials are high-quality, the POM housing lacks the shock resistance and overall hardness of POK, which lessens its capacity to deliver that crisp sound generation characteristic of the Mahjong. This difference is enhanced by the fact that the Olive’s POM bottom housing aligns closely with its top housing, creating a consistent muted sound throughout its operation.
When considering the bottom housing, the Dareu Mahjong utilizes nylon, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller auditory experience, whereas the Olive again utilizes POM, known for its unique, pleasant sound that leans towards the deep and muted. Each housing’s material characteristics contribute distinctly to the overall typing experience; the Mahjong's combination of POK top and nylon bottom gives it a sharper and more resilient sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the Olive's POM bottom and top provide a smoother acoustic journey more suited for quieter environments. This contrast demonstrates how different materials at both ends of a switch can yield a similar tactile and auditory experience, albeit with nuanced distinctions that may appeal to different user preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force, but they diverge with regards to their bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they provide a consistent tactile feedback and effort needed to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for both long typing sessions and extended gaming marathons. However, while the Mahjong’s bottom out force is unavailable, the Olive switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that while both switches require the same initial effort to actuate, the Olive will feel heavier when pressed all the way down due to its higher bottom out force. Therefore, the Dareu Mahjong is the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a softer keystroke for comfort during prolonged use, whereas the Bsun Olive will satisfy those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch feature a travel distance of 3.4 mm, resulting in equivalent distances when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a consistent tactile experience when engaging either switch, offering a comparable feedback feel and actuation depth. Thus, fanatics of mechanical keyboards can enjoy similar results in terms of keypress responsiveness while using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Dareu Mahjong switches have a lively, poppy sound signature that contributes to an engaging typing experience. Their neutral characteristics ensure that the sound profile is balanced, making them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a more professional setting. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches produce a deeper, resonant sound that stands out due to their all-POM housings. This adds a richness to the auditory experience, making each keystroke both satisfying and distinctively audible. While both switches produce enjoyable sound profiles, the Mahjong leans towards a more spirited tone, whereas the Olive provides a more profound, deeper sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Mahjong switches are characterized by their bouncy and polished nature, offering a lively rebound with each keypress that enhances the typing experience. This mild and approachable feel makes them very user-friendly, ensuring that even newcomers can enjoy a comfortable typing experience without feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches offer a more invigorating typing sensation with pronounced tactile feedback. Their medium weight and sharp tactile bump provide an engaging touch, delivering significant responsiveness that enhances the overall immersion while typing. This tactile intensity makes them markedly different from the Mahjong's smooth and lively feel, as the Olive's feedback is designed to be crisp and distinct.
In summary, choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Mahjong offers a playful auditory experience alongside a smooth, bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a lively typing environment. The Olive, on the other hand, captivates with its deep sound and sharp tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy pronounced responsiveness and a more immersive experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can lead to satisfying typing experiences, but they cater to different preferences and environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lively, bouncy feel that enhances your speed and fluidity, the Mahjong switch would be an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and polished finish make it suitable for a variety of environments, from casual use at home to more professional settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback that offers a satisfying "snap" with each keystroke, the Olive switch may be more aligned with your needs. Its medium-heavy actuation force and sharp tactile bump provide a deeply engaging typing experience that is invigorating for those who appreciate feeling the nuances of their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—speed and fluidity with the Mahjong, or tactile feedback and engagement with the Olive—and choose accordingly.
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