Sarokeys BCP vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Elf stand out as compelling choices, both offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Sarokeys BCP, renowned for its linear smoothness, delivers a creamy feel complemented by a viscous and bouncy action, producing a signature clacky sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Its refined design streamlines the experience, eliminating the hassle of switch disassembly, allowing users to enjoy the tactile benefits right out of the box. In contrast, the Huano Elf focuses on enhancing acoustic properties with its POK top housing, providing a deeper sound signature and a medium-light feel that promotes a gratifying typing experience. While both switches offer a linear feel, the BCP is celebrated for its lively auditory feedback and bounciness, whereas the Elf emphasizes a more subdued yet captivating acoustic profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and Huano Elf, it becomes clear that while there are notable differences in the top housing, the bottom housings share a commonality. The BCP employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Elf utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, contributing to a smooth, clacky, and durable switch. The POK material's high wear resistance and superior shock resistance, being significantly stronger than nylon, allow for a different tactile experience during typing.
While the top housings differ markedly in material, the bottom housings for both switches share the same nylon composition, which influences their acoustic responses in similar ways. This means that when typing on the Huano Elf, the deeper and fuller sound profile typical of nylon will still persist, similar to the BCP. The bottom housing's properties significantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that despite the variance in the top housing materials, both switches retain a notable depth to their auditory feedback upon key bottoming out. This shared material at the bottom reinforces the importance of bottom housing materials in determining a switch's overall sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the Bauhop BCP and Huano Elf exemplify how different materials contribute to unique user experiences. While the BCP provides a consistently deep and muted sound profile through its exclusive use of nylon, the Huano Elf's combination of a sturdy POK top and nylon bottom achieves a blend of smoothness and depth. The contrasting properties of POK and nylon in the top housings and their shared nylon bottoms indicate that users will experience a nuanced balance of clackiness and depth in sound, showcasing how material choices can lead to both distinct and complementary auditory profiles in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch to the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and offering a balanced typing experience that could benefit users in extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for long-term use. However, the bottom out force for the Elf switch is unavailable, which leaves a gap in the comparison. If we assume the bottom out force is significantly lower or possibly equal to that of the BCP, it could offer a softer touch feel when bottoming out. Thus, while the Sarokeys BCP is heavier overall due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Huano Elf provides a lighter touch for the initial actuation, appealing to those who favor less resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the BCP has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Elf measures 3.6 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option between the two, appealing to gamers who often prefer quicker response times associated with shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Elf, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feel, catering to users who favor a deeper keypress for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the BCP would be the preferable choice, while those seeking a fuller depth in their keypresses should consider the Huano Elf.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 linear switches stand out with their distinct clacky auditory profile, which delivers a sharp, snappy sound that many enthusiasts find particularly satisfying. This clackiness creates an engaging acoustic experience that is both crisp and percussive, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Huano Elf linear switches are designed with a POK top housing, which is known to improve the acoustics of the switch. While the exact sound signature of the Elf switches is not detailed, they are suggested to produce a deeper sound compared to typical linear switches. However, it’s important to note that the actual sound produced by both switches can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the BCP switches are highly regarded for their bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like feedback that makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive, while the creamy texture allows for a silky, smooth typing experience, giving the impression that fingers effortlessly glide over the keys. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Elf switches is not fully specified, but they are described as having a medium-light touch, which may lend a different type of satisfaction depending on user preference. Without detailed descriptions for the Elf switches, a direct comparison isn't entirely possible, but it's clear that both types aim to provide enjoyable tactile feedback, although through potentially different mechanisms.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys BCP and Huano Elf linear switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. For those who appreciate a clacky and engaging sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the BCP is a prime choice. Meanwhile, the Elf may appeal to users looking for a deeper sound profile and a lighter typing experience, though further details would help clarify specific aspects of its feel. Ultimately, if you seek similar auditory results, the varying sound characteristics and intended feelings of each switch will guide your choice depending on your personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch depends on your typing preferences and sound preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging experience with a sound that is not only clacky but also rich and lively, the BCP would be the ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 57 grams coupled with its bouncy, creamy feel and poppy sound profile make it perfect for those who value feedback and auditory excitement in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that emphasizes deeper acoustics and a smoother operation, the Huano Elf could be more appealing. Although the bottom-out force isn't specified, it's recognized for its sound-enhancing design, likely making it suitable for quieter environments or for those who prefer a less disruptive typing experience. In conclusion, consider the environment in which you’ll be typing and whether auditory feedback or tactile sensation plays a more significant role in your enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
