Dareu Mahjong vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Tomcat both stand out as exceptional linear options that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Mahjong switches, with their distinctive green and white aesthetic, are renowned for offering a lively and poppy sound, providing a typing experience that feels effortless and engaging. This switch category is often described as bouncy and polished, appealing to those who enjoy a responsive feel while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches feature Ly stems, which ensure a super smooth and consistent typing experience, characterized by a resonant sound profile that can enhance the overall ambiance of your workspace. While both switches excel in delivering enjoyable linear performance, their unique characteristics invite users to choose based on personal preference—whether you favor the Mahjong's dynamic and vibrant feel or the Tomcat's silky and refined motion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Mahjong Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the Bsun Tomcat, one of the most notable differences lies in the composition of their top housing. The Mahjong features a POK (polyketone) top housing, lauded for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04, which results in a particularly smooth feel while typing. Additionally, its robust durability ensures wear resistance that is significantly higher than POM and enhanced shock resistance compared to nylon. This combination contributes to a typing experience characterized by smooth keystrokes and a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which imparts a sharper, higher-pitched sound owing to its stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate also facilitates RGB lighting effects, allowing for a visually appealing setup. Thus, while both switches offer excellent performance, the Mahogn's POK excels in smoothness and durability, while the Tomcat's polycarbonate lends itself to sound clarity and aesthetic advantages.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Tomcat incorporate nylon, a material revered for its sound-absorbing qualities. The presence of nylon in both switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer plastic construction effectively dampens the keystrokes. This shared characteristic provides a sense of continuity in the typing experience between the two models, as users can expect a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing indicates that, despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will maintain a level of auditory depth and richness that many typists prefer, creating a familiar feel for aficionados of mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, the combined materials of the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Tomcat create unique yet somewhat comparable experiences. With the top housing differing in composition—POK’s smooth durability versus polycarbonate's crisp clarity—the overall typing sensation is nuanced in each switch. However, the shared nylon bottom housing acts as a stabilizing factor, ensuring that regardless of the top housing selected, users will experience similar acoustics that enhance typing satisfaction. As a result, users can expect both switches to deliver a distinctive auditory experience shaped by their respective top materials, while still benefiting from the deeper sound profile provided by the nylon bottom housing, establishing a harmonious blend of attributes.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering users a consistent resistance when triggering keystrokes. However, a notable difference arises with their bottom out forces: the Tomcat switch features a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unavailable. This indicates that the Tomcat switch provides a heavier feel when pressed all the way down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Mahjong switch, while it shares the same actuation force, may deliver a lighter overall experience due to the unknown bottom out force, potentially making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, for users prioritizing a lighter touch, the Mahjong may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a firmer feedback should consider the Tomcat.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Mahjong measures at 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mahjong provides a shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, catering to those who may enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Mahjong being better suited for responsiveness and the Tomcat appealing to those who favor a deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is lively and poppy, offering a distinctive auditory experience that can be quite engaging during typing. Its neutral sound characteristic positions it well for various environments, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced users, whether typing at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch produces a resonant sound profile that adds a unique layer to the auditory feedback of each key press. While the specifics of the Tomcat’s sound profile are not detailed, it indicates a more pronounced auditory experience that could be slightly less versatile in quieter environments compared to the Mahjong.

When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switches stand out for their bouncy nature, providing a pleasant spring-like resistance that offers satisfying feedback upon each press. The feel is further enhanced by a mild characteristic, making the typing experience gentle and approachable to a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mahjong switches results in smooth key travel with reduced friction, contributing to a refined typing experience. Information on the feel of the Tomcat switches is currently unknown, so it is not possible to draw a direct comparison in this aspect; however, the emphasis on their Ly stems suggests a focus on providing a smooth typing experience akin to that of the Mahjong.

In conclusion, while the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Tomcat linear switches both contribute to unique typing experiences, they do so through different sound profiles and subjective qualities. The Mahjong excels with its lively sound and bouncy, polished feel, making it a well-rounded choice for diverse typing scenarios. The Tomcat's resonant sound introduces an intriguing alternative, although details about its tactile experience remain unelucidated. Ultimately, users seeking either option will find engaging auditory and tactile feedback, though the Mahjong currently offers a clearer picture of its performance attributes.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch will largely depend on your specific preferences and typing style. If you value an effortless typing experience with a lively and bouncy feel, the Mahjong switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both home and work environments, ensuring that it doesn't disrupt others while still providing a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and an ultra-smooth typing experience, then the Tomcat linear switch would be more appropriate. While the Tomcat may not offer the same vibrant audio characteristics as the Mahjong, its resonant sound profile and polished feel could cater to those seeking a more refined and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, consider what you prioritize in sound and feel—whether it’s the playful engagement of the Mahjong or the sleek precision of the Tomcat—and let that guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more