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Dareu Mahjong vs. Bsun Taichi

An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Taichi both present compelling choices for enthusiasts looking for a linear typing experience, yet they differ significantly in character and auditory feedback. The Mahjong switches, adorned with a distinctive green and white color scheme, are celebrated for their lively and poppy sound signature, delivering a typing experience that feels both effortless and enjoyable. Their categorization as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Polished' underscores their versatility and appeal to users seeking a balance of feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches stand out with their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to their long-pole stem and extended springs, which provide exceptional smoothness and stability. While both switches are linear and cater to different typing preferences, the choice between them will largely depend on whether one prioritizes a vibrant auditory experience or a silky-smooth keystroke. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POK

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

21mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Bsun Taichi, the differences in their top housings are quite pronounced, though both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. The Mahjong features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is noted for its exceptional smoothness with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material contributes not only to a smooth feel during typing but also enhances the durability of the switch through its superior wear resistance and shock resistance. In contrast, the Taichi incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that imparts a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While the Mahjong leans towards a clacky sound characteristic resulting from its POK material, the Taichi's polycarbonate offers a different auditory experience that is clear and crisp, especially effective when utilizing RGB lighting.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a level of similarity in the overall typing experience. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile when typing. Consequently, both the Mahjong and the Taichi generate a soft and rich sound signature on bottoming out, demonstrating that while the top housings diverge in terms of materials and acoustic properties, the use of nylon in the bottom housing serves to unify their tonal qualities. This shared material ensures that the feeling of bottoming out remains consistent across both switches, with each delivering a satisfying tactile response.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials yield distinct results but also establish a complementary sound profile and typing experience between the two switches. The Mahjong’s POK material contributes to a smooth and clacky typing feel, while the Taichi’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness. Yet, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they maintain a core similarity by delivering a round and deep sound upon bottoming out. This combination creates a rich and engaging experience for typists, merging the characteristics of each material to achieve an enjoyable result, whether one prefers a more crisp sound or a clunky feel.

Weight

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present a comparison in their actuation forces, with the Mahjong requiring 45 grams to actuate, while the Taichi is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Taichi may be preferable for those who favor a lighter touch, making it more suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for both switches remains unknown, preventing a full analysis of the typing experience and the feeling of hitting the bottom of the keypress. Since the Taichi has a lower actuation force, it can be concluded that the Dareu Mahjong is the heavier option, offering a more substantial push feel for those who enjoy that type of typing experience. Overall, while both switches are linear and provide smooth keystrokes, the Taichi caters more to users seeking a lighter switch, whereas the Mahjong appeals to those who prefer a firmer actuation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it is clear that the Mahjong offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taichi features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may appeal to different user preferences; for instance, gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness might favor the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may opt for the Taichi, which provides a more pronounced travel distance, giving the sensation of deeper engagement. Overall, while both switches serve their purpose, the Mahjong is better suited for those seeking rapid responses, whereas the Taichi will satisfy users looking for a more traditional and deeper typing experience.

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 Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.

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, both the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Taichi linear switches have their own unique auditory characteristics. The Mahjong switches produce a lively, poppy sound signature that is pleasant and engaging, making them suitable for both work and play. Their neutral sound profile allows them to blend well in various environments, ensuring they aren't overly intrusive whether in a quiet office or a bustling home setting. On the other hand, the Taichi switches are known for their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which adds a distinct auditory flair to typing. This sound, enhanced by the long-pole stems and extended springs of the Taichi, contributes to a satisfying acoustic experience, though specific decibel levels or pitches might vary depending on other factors like the keyboard build and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the differences are notable, with the Mahjong switches providing a more dynamic experience. They are characterized by a bouncy sensation, akin to a springy feedback that gives a lively response upon key presses. This bounciness, combined with a mild feedback sensation, creates a more forgiving typing experience that doesn't overwhelm the user. Additionally, the polished quality ensures that the key travel is smooth and refined, minimizing friction for effortless typing. Conversely, while the Taichi switch's specific tactile feel isn't detailed, the mechanisms designed for smoothness and stability suggest that they may provide a consistent, smooth pressing experience as well. However, without more description, it’s challenging to directly compare their tactile feedback to the more diverse sensory qualities of the Mahjong.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer distinctive experiences, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Mahjong is more versatile with its lively sound and pleasing feel, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Taichi's unique auditory quality and focus on smoothness might attract those seeking a specific type of acoustic feedback. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mahjong or the Taichi, you can expect to find good typing experiences that align with the qualities you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and your environment. If you're looking for a lively and engaging typing experience, the Mahjong switches are an excellent choice. Their bouncy feel and polished finish provide a spring-like feedback that adds a bit of fun to your typing while still offering a mild character that makes them accessible for both beginners and experienced typists. Their neutral sound profile ensures that they won’t be overly distracting in a work or home setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique auditory experience, the Bsun Taichi switches may better suit your needs. With their extended springs and long-pole design offering unparalleled smoothness, they cater to users who appreciate a seamless key press and the high-pitched bottom-out sound that can enhance the tactile experience. In essence, choose Mahjong switches for a more playful, versatile typing experience and opt for Taichi switches when you seek utmost smoothness and a distinctive sound.

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