Sarokeys BCP vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Grape Orange offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The BCP, or Black Cherry Pie, stands out with its unique combination of a bouncy, creamy feel and an engaging clacky sound profile that appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Sarokeys has refined these iconic switches, eliminating the complexity of traditional Frankenswitches and enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch provides an exceptionally light touch, with a mere 40g actuation force that promotes a smooth and effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing, minimizing fatigue. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they offer contrasting tactile and auditory sensations that can significantly influence your typing enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs!
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Grape Orange, it is evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The BCP features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer properties, which absorb more sound. This can create a notable contrast when typing, as the duller and rounder sound produced by the BCP may appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Typing on this switch is characterized by a more resonant sound, making it particularly well-suited for those who prefer a clearer auditory feedback when typing.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the bottom housing material, which results in similar characteristics in how they feel and sound during keystrokes. Both the BCP and the Grape Orange's nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller typing experience, as nylon absorbs sound better than harder materials, leading to a mellow bottom-out sound. Consequently, regardless of the difference in the top housing materials, the user’s experience during the act of pressing down on the switch will carry a level of sameness found in the plush sound profile provided by nylon. This shared quality ensures that both switches, despite their differences in top housings, create a cohesive auditory experience during activation.
In conclusion, while the Sarokeys BCP and Huano Grape Orange employ different materials for their top housings—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing results in similarities in typing feel and sound. The BCP’s top contributes a rounder sound while the Grape Orange’s top emphasizes clarity and resonance. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches deliver a comparable experience due to the sound-absorbing properties of their nylon bottoms. Thus, the overall typing experience can be seen as a balancing act of the two contrasting sound profiles in the tops while uniting the common qualities of the nylon bottoms.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch present contrasting actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The BCP features an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial push feel while typing. In contrast, the Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged use in typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the BCP is the heavier option, providing a firmer resistance that might be favored for a more tactile typing experience. Users who value a lighter switch will find the Grape Orange more comfortable, especially over extended periods, while those who prefer the feel of a heftier keystroke should lean toward the BCP. Overall, these differing forces ultimately offer users distinct typing experiences based on their individual preferences for actuation and bottom out sensations.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the BCP switch offers a shorter travel distance than the Grape Orange, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. In contrast, the Grape Orange may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper travel experience. Consequently, if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the BCP switch would be the better choice, whereas the Grape Orange might suit those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience with its longer travel distance.
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 Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 the sound profile, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch stands out with its signature clacky auditory allure. The BCP produces a sharp and snappy sound that resonates crisply and brightly with each keystroke, offering a percussive feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch are currently unknown. However, it’s important to note that the acoustic qualities of any switch are also influenced by the keyboard plate, case, and keycap materials, so one’s overall experience may vary based on setup.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys BCP boasts a uniquely pleasant typing experience with its creamy and bouncy characteristics. The bounciness provides an elastic feedback sensation, giving the user a lively and inviting rebound as they type. This, combined with its creamy texture, results in a smooth and buttery feel, reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Unfortunately, the specifics regarding the feel of the Huano Grape Orange switches remain undisclosed, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
In summary, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound and a blissful typing experience that is both creamy and bouncy, providing a satisfying feedback mechanism to the user. The Huano Grape Orange linear switch's features are less clear, specifically concerning its sound and feel. For newcomers, the choice between these switches may hinge on whether they prefer the auditory feedback of the BCP, while also considering personal typing preferences and keyboard setup, since each of these qualities plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the intended use case. If you value a tactile sensation with a medium-light bottom out force that delivers a bouncy and creamy feel, along with the clacky auditory feedback, the BCP is an excellent fit—especially if you enjoy a lively typing experience or are looking to make noise during gaming or typing sessions. These switches offer a signature pop that can elevate your typing enjoyment. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for rapid typing and less finger fatigue over extended sessions, the Grape Orange switch, with its ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams, may be preferable. Its design promotes an effortless typing experience, making it well-suited for long hours of use without the strain. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs: whether you seek auditory excitement and responsive feedback or a feather-light touch for endurance typing.
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