Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch. The Sarokeys BCP offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 provides a smooth downstroke and rich clack, giving it a polished and bassy sound profile. While the BCP is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, the Ink Black V2 is praised for its smoothness and mild chirpy sound. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Ink Black V2 both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and creates a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials are designed to enhance sound, they offer different tonal qualities to suit diverse preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches employ the same materials as their respective top housings. This means that the BCP and the Ink Black V2 share the characteristics of their nylon and proprietary INK blend bottom housings, resulting in a consistent typing experience throughout the switch. The softer nylon bottom housing of the BCP contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while Gateron's INK blend bottom housing maintains the satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that the switch is known for.
Overall, the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Ink Black V2 play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the BCP's nylon housing offers a softer and more absorbent feel, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend creates a sharper and more clacky sound. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller typing sound or a sharper, clackier experience, both switches provide unique options to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials work in tandem to create a well-rounded typing experience that suits the needs of various users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that the BCP has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Ink Black V2. Additionally, the BCP has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the BCP provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Black V2 offer a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sarokeys BCP has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the BCP due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2. Both switches offer differing experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 signature poppy and clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as having a low-pitched, bassy sound with a unique chirpy quality. Depending on your preference, the BCP offers a more percussive and bright sound, while the Ink Black V2 provides a mellower tone with a hint of squeakiness.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery feel. On the contrary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you enjoy a livelier and elastic feedback while typing, the BCP may be more appealing, while the Ink Black V2 offers a more approachable and polished feel.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the BCP excels in producing a distinct clacky sound and offering a bouncy and creamy feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched, bassy sound and a mild, polished typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to deliver satisfying typing experiences, with the BCP leaning towards a more lively and textured feel and sound, while the Ink Black V2 offers a smoother and refined option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for key feel and sound profile. If you prefer a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the BCP switch would be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, then the Ink Black V2 switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by which characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
