Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron CAP Anniversary offer distinct features for typing enthusiasts to consider. The Sarokeys BCP is known for its creamy and bouncy feel, providing a unique typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks to its innovative CAP structure designed for reduced resistance and enhanced smoothness. While the BCP is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Creamy', and 'Clacky', the CAP Anniversary is labeled as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Deciding between these switches may depend on whether you value a more tactile and clacky typing experience or prioritize smoothness and stability. 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
51g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This common choice results in a similar typing experience for users of both switches, as the relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the BCP features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material showcases how the choice of plastic can significantly impact the overall acoustics of a switch.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile, the variation in top housing material between the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron CAP Anniversary leads to distinct differences in typing feel and sound. The BCP's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the keypress. Conversely, the CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing, coupled with a polycarbonate top housing, yields a sharper and crisper sound profile with a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This showcases how the combination of different housing materials can result in unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron CAP Anniversary utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, the difference in top housing material sets them apart. The BCP's polycarbonate top housing elicits a duller and rounder sound, while the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed decisions when selecting mechanical keyboard switches based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, we can see that the BCP has a slightly lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the CAP Anniversary's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams while the CAP Anniversary needs 65 grams, making the BCP the lighter option overall. The BCP switch provides a medium-light feel, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary offers a medium-heavy feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push. Overall, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of actuation force, but the bottom out force differs, catering to different preferences based on weight preference during typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, it is clear that the BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the CAP Anniversary has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The BCP's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the CAP Anniversary's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both options offer different benefits depending on personal preference, with the BCP offering a quicker response and the CAP Anniversary providing a more substantial key press experience. In this case, the BCP would be the shorter option, while the CAP Anniversary would be the longer option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 Sarokeys BCP offers a unique clacky profile, producing sharp and percussive noises with a signature poppy sound. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches have an unspecified sound profile, so it's unclear how they compare in terms of auditory feedback. In terms of feel, the BCP switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like and buttery typing experience. This leads to a lively and smooth sensation when typing on the keys. The CAP Anniversary switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy and creamy, offering super responsive keys with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches offer a creamy typing experience, with the BCP focusing more on a bouncy feel and the CAP Anniversary emphasizing snappy responsiveness and stability. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience with creamy qualities, but with distinct differences in feel and sound. If you prefer a clacky and bouncy experience, the Sarokeys BCP may be the way to go. If you prefer a snappy and polished feel with enhanced stability, the Gateron CAP Anniversary could be the better choice.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, consider your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy, creamy typing experience with a clacky sound, the Sarokeys BCP switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a smooth, snappy, and polished typing experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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