Dareu Mahjong vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, few options can rival the Dareu Mahjong and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, offering a lively, poppy sound signature that enhances the typing experience. Designed to provide a bouncy and mildly responsive feel, these switches are perfect for users who enjoy a tactile yet smooth typing journey. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches prioritize a super smooth, whisper-quiet operation thanks to their Ly stems, resulting in a more resonant sound profile that caters to those who prefer a heavy touch without distractions. Both switches embody the allure of linear technology, making them excellent choices for various typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Mahjong Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) 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 (Heavy), a notable distinction emerges in their top housings. The Mahjong utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is known for its durability and smooth interaction. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slightly slicker feel than LY, resulting in a smooth and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate in its top housing, contributing to a higher-pitched, sharper sound profile. This stiffer material enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's audio feedback. While the Mahjong emphasizes durability and smoothness, the Tomcat focuses on producing a distinct and vibrant sound, demonstrating how different material choices can lead to varied tactile and auditory experiences in mechanical switches.

Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which underscores an interesting similarity between the two models. Nylon is a time-tested material in the realm of switch construction, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This quality results in a deeper and fuller tonal character when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Since both the Mahjong and Tomcat share this bottom housing material, users can expect a similar auditory experience that highlights the more rounded sound profile typical of nylon. The use of the same material in the lower portion of each switch means that regardless of the top housing differences, the overall sound will still have that muted richness that nylon provides.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials create distinct characteristics in the sound profiles of the two switches, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience a consistent depth to the sound and feel. The combination of POK and polycarbonate in the Mahjong and Tomcat respectively allows each switch to achieve unique profiles, but the nylon element delivers a commonality that ties them together. Therefore, while users may appreciate the smoothness and durability from the Mahjong alongside the brighter, crisper sound of the Tomcat, they can also find reassurance in the familiar auditory response when bottoming out each switch, thanks to the presence of nylon in both designs.

Weight

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation force, with the Mahjong requiring 45 grams to actuate compared to the Tomcat's heavier 55 grams. This difference suggests that the Mahjong switch is more suitable for users looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. However, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its stronger actuation force, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push when typing. As for the bottom out force, the Mahjong's value is unknown, while the Tomcat has a bottom out force of 64 grams, indicating a definitive resistance to fully depressing the key. Consequently, while both switches serve their purposes, the Mahjong stands out for its lighter weight, making it a better choice for those prioritizing comfort over a robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Dareu Mahjong linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mahjong switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times and more immediate key presses. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who might prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper stroke when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides a quicker actuation, the Mahjong would be the optimal choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is better suited for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a lively, poppy sound signature that is both engaging and pleasant, promoting an enjoyable typing experience. Its neutral characteristics mean it's versatile enough for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a resonant sound profile that likely adds a distinct auditory feedback when pressed. Despite both switches having their unique sound signatures, both can be influenced by external factors, such as the keyboard construction and keycaps you choose to use.

When it comes to feel, the Mahjong switch stands out with its bouncy and mild characteristics, delivering a spring-like feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic. This switch strikes a fine balance with refined smoothness, providing a pleasant and polished typing experience that many users find approachable. The exact feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch remains undisclosed in this instance, so it's difficult to make a precise comparison in this category.

In conclusion, while the Dareu Mahjong and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, they do so with different sound profiles and specified characteristics. The Mahjong excels in providing a lively auditory experience paired with an engaging tactile response. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound that sets it apart, though its tactile characteristics remain a mystery. If you're looking for a versatile typing experience, the Mahjong may be a safer bet, while the Tomcat's unique resonance may appeal to those intrigued by distinct sound profiles.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer an effortless and lively typing experience with a bouncy feel and a unique sound signature, the Mahjong switch is an excellent choice. Its neutrality makes it versatile, suitable for both enthusiasts and casual users, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you desire a heavier bottom-out force that provides a more substantial tactile feedback and a smooth, polished feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is likely to meet your needs. Its resonant sound profile can be an appealing factor if you appreciate more pronounced auditory feedback during your typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight, lively typing experience or a more robust, heavier actuation for a distinct feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more