Sarokeys BCP vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Kiki Red both provide unique typing experiences. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, stands out for its creamy and bouncy feel, offering a satisfying tactile sensation with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red, also a linear switch, impresses with a finely-tuned typing experience that strikes a balance between a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a smooth actuation due to its all-POM housings and Ly stems. While the BCP excels in bounciness and creaminess, the Kiki Red shines in its polished and frictionless typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Kiki Red play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The BCP utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. On the other hand, the Kiki Red incorporates POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Despite the differences in material between nylon and POM, both switches aim to provide a sound profile that is rich and satisfying to the user.
In terms of the top housing, the BCP's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Kiki Red's POM housing offers a unique and relatively muted sound. This distinction in sound profile can be attributed to the characteristics of each material, with nylon being softer and absorbing more sound, and POM providing a deeper sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches' housing materials continue to contribute to the overall sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is crucial, as it defines the overall typing experience for the user.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Kiki Red housing materials depends on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the BCP's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Kiki Red's POM housing provides a unique and pleasing sound that is more muted. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience by leveraging the characteristics of their respective housing materials. Whether one prefers a fuller sound profile or a deeper, more muted sound, both the BCP and Kiki Red offer housing materials that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a higher actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams, making the BCP switch heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams, while the Kiki Red only needs 50 grams, making the Kiki Red lighter in this regard. This means that the BCP switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Kiki Red switch offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Kiki Red, while those looking for a heavier switch may lean towards the BCP. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the BCP. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer a different feel due to their slightly varied travel distances, but overall, they will provide a similar key press experience with the main difference being the amount of travel.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 sound, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer a clacky experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This makes them both ideal choices for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys BCP switches are described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback with a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer a creamy feel with additional descriptors such as frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. This indicates a level of smoothness, responsiveness, and ease of actuation that adds finesse to the typing experience.
Overall, both the Sarokeys BCP and Bsun Kiki Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches have a clacky sound profile, the BCP switches have a bouncy feel while the Kiki Red switches provide a creamy and versatile typing experience. Whether you choose the BCP or Kiki Red, you can expect a premium typing experience with excellent auditory feedback and tactile response.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the key differences in bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 57 grams and enjoy a bouncy, creamy typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, then the Sarokeys BCP switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 50 grams and appreciate a smooth, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance, along with all-POM housings for unique sound signature and smooth actuation, then the Bsun Kiki Red switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences, so it's important to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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