Sarokeys BCP vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and TTC Gold Brown stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The BCP is a linear switch known for its creamy and bouncy feel, offering a unique tactile experience without the need for disassembly and reassembly. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is a tactile switch that boasts a balanced feel with a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. While the BCP is characterized by its clacky sound profile, the Gold Brown offers a softer, more polished sound. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the TTC Gold Brown, we can see some key differences in their construction. The BCP utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. On the other hand, the Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the plastic. While the BCP offers a duller and rounder sound due to nylon, the Gold Brown provides a more clear and resonant sound profile with polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in material used for the top housing, both the BCP and the Gold Brown share a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. Therefore, even though the top housings differ, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the BCP and the Gold Brown will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The BCP offers a softer and deeper sound with its nylon top and bottom housing, while the Gold Brown provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a clear and resonant sound, there is a housing material option that will suit your needs with either the BCP or the Gold Brown.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both provide a unique typing experience with their different actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Gold Brown's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. However, the BCP also has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Gold Brown's 63 grams, resulting in a softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down. This means that the BCP offers a smoother typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the BCP being lighter overall and the Gold Brown offering a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The BCP's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is known for its clacky and percussive sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more neutral sound, with a moderate and balanced sound profile that is generally softer and more rounded compared to other switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prefer a more pronounced and clacky sound or a softer, more balanced sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is also described as accented and polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP switch provides a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a more neutral sound and a mild, buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as specific typing preferences such as actuation force and keycap compatibility. However, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a unique clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch would be a great choice. Its creamy feel and bouncy sensation provide a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a balanced feel, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch might be more up your alley. With its mild and buttery typing experience, as well as a rounded sound profile, the Gold Brown offers a comfortable and approachable option for both beginners and experienced typists. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
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