Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both offer unique typing experiences. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, is known for its creamy and bouncy feel, offering a signature poppy and clacky sound profile without the need for switch disassembly. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink, also a linear switch, provides a smoother and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack. While the BCP is characterized by being bouncy, creamy, and clacky, the Ink Box Pink is known for its clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished qualities. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both use unique housing materials for their switches, with the BCP utilizing nylon for both top and bottom housings, while the Ink Box Pink uses a proprietary INK blend for both. The nylon top housing of the BCP offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying thin and sharp sound.
While both the BCP and Ink Box Pink share similar characteristics in their top housing materials, their bottom housings differ. The BCP's nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall deeper and fuller sound profile, reflecting the characteristics of nylon as a softer plastic that absorbs sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink complements its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp, enhancing the overall clacky sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the BCP and Ink Box Pink have different housing materials, each brings its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether it's the deeper and rounder sound of nylon in the BCP or the sharper and clacky sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we find that the BCP has a slightly lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams while the Ink Box Pink needs 60 grams, making the Ink Box Pink the heavier option. The BCP offers a medium-light typing experience, while the Ink Box Pink provides a medium feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the BCP, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier feel of the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between actuation force and bottom out force, providing a satisfactory typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The BCP offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with similar results in terms of key press actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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, both the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are described as having a clacky noise profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience while typing. While the BCP is known for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is noted to have a higher-pitched clack. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying sound feedback and contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. The keys have a lively, spring-like feedback, providing a smooth and elastic experience that feels viscous and buttery. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These switches minimize resistance and provide a sleek key travel experience. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, ensuring a pleasant tactile feel while typing.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer distinct yet equally satisfying qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP switch provides a creamy and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished feel with a higher-pitched clack. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ultimately delivering a premium mechanical keyboard experience. Whether selecting the Sarokeys BCP or the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom out force with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, along with a signature clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a smoother, silky typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
