Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Jupiter Red both offer unique features worth exploring. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, is known for its creamy and bouncy feel, accompanied by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red, also a linear switch, boasts a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with medium-heavy actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a seamless typing experience. While the BCP offers a more tactile and auditory experience, the Jupiter Red excels in consistency and precision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The key difference between the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Jupiter Red lies in their top housing materials. The BCP utilizes nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the BCP's nylon top housing tends to produce a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the Jupiter Red's more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Jupiter Red utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material helps in eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects seen with their top housing materials. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As such, despite having different top housing materials, the switches share a similar sound profile when it comes to their bottom housings, contributing to a consistent typing experience for users who prefer the characteristics of nylon.
Overall, the incorporation of different housing materials in the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Jupiter Red impacts the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the BCP offers a more muffled and softer sound with its nylon housing, the Jupiter Red produces a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate housing. This distinction between the two switches highlights how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound quality and feel of mechanical keyboards. Whether opting for a deeper tone with the BCP or a sharper pitch with the Jupiter Red, users can choose based on their preferences for sound aesthetics and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the user's typing experience. The BCP switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 45 grams, making it slightly lighter to press for a keystroke. On the other hand, the BCP switch has a lower bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 60 grams, indicating that it requires less force to fully press down. Overall, the BCP switch provides a medium-light typing experience while the Jupiter Red offers a medium typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the BCP being lighter for longer typing sessions and the Jupiter Red offering a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Jupiter Red being more standard, the BCP offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who crave a faster reaction may lean towards the BCP, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches are suitable options, providing a satisfying typing experience, but the BCP offers a quicker keypress while the Jupiter Red offers a bit more depth.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a distinct clacky sound profile, known for its sharp and snappy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as having a neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and profile suitable for various usage scenarios. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Sarokeys BCP switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving users a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation, along with a smooth and buttery keystroke feel. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, providing a refined finish for a sleek typing experience, along with a creamy and silky sensation when typing. Additionally, the Jupiter Red switch offers a mild typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a gentle tactile response.
In conclusion, while the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide users with a premium typing experience tailored to their preferences. Whether you prefer the clacky and bouncy sensation of the BCP or the neutral and polished feel of the Jupiter Red, both switches offer top-notch performance and customization options to enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a creamy feel, then the Sarokeys BCP switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value a smooth and consistent keystroke with a polished and creamy feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Red switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer, whether it be more tactile and clacky or smooth and refined.
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