Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Mars. The Sarokeys BCP, also affectionately known as the Black Cherry Pies, stands out with its creamy typing experience that delivers a bouncy, elastic feel and a poppy, clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an engaging auditory sensation while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches offer a more innovative blend of materials, incorporating a unique POK stem with housing crafted from a combination of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth keystroke and reliable performance. While the BCP attracts users with its clacky allure and nostalgic craftsmanship, the Mars appeals to those seeking cutting-edge design and durability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Mars switches both utilize nylon for their top housings, leading to a consistently rich and full sound profile in both switches. Nylon is renowned for its softer texture, which effectively absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience that appeals to many tactile keyboard enthusiasts. This similarity in top housing material ensures that users of either switch will enjoy comparable acoustic qualities when typing. The intrinsic properties of nylon, including its ability to dampen vibrations, make it ideal for producing a satisfying aural feedback that both switch models capitalize on.
In contrast, when examining their bottom housings, a stark difference arises between the two switches. The BCP employs nylon for its bottom housing, paralleling its top housing and contributing to the overall sound profile with a similar depth and fullness. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars opts for a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound that is also on the deeper side but slightly more muted. This difference in materials hints at contrasting experiences when bottoming out keys: the BCP’s uniform nylon construction emphasizes a cohesive sound signature, while the Mars distinguishes itself with the distinct acoustics of POM, likely resulting in a subtly different tactile sensation and auditory feedback during use.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in varying experiences for each switch, even when the top housings align. The full, rounded typing sound on the BCP is a consequence of the synergy between the nylon top and bottom, creating consistency from key press to release. In contrast, the interaction of the nylon top and the POM bottom in the Mars can yield a more nuanced auditory experience that may appeal to users seeking diversity in switch sounds. Therefore, while the top housing of both switches offers similar sound characteristics, the different bottom housing materials introduce a unique dimension to the overall performance of each switch, catering to distinct preferences among users in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 51 grams, while the Mars switch is lighter at 45 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Mars may be more suitable for users seeking a keyboard that minimizes fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the BCP's bottom out force is 57 grams, indicating a firmer feel at maximum depression. In contrast, the Gateron Mars does not have an available bottom out force measurement, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this regard. Nonetheless, since the actuation force of the BCP is heavier, it may appeal to those preferring a more substantial typing experience, while the Mars, with its lower actuation force, caters to those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The BCP switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Mars switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to the reduced distance they need to press down. Conversely, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, providing a different tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may depend on personal preferences related to responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is celebrated for its distinct clacky auditory experience. This clackiness results in a bright and percussive sound profile that many typists find satisfying, contributing to an engaging typing atmosphere. The BCP's carefully engineered design ensures that each keystroke delivers that characteristic pop, making it not just a switch, but an experience for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches do not have a sound profile clearly defined in the information provided, so it's difficult to directly compare their auditory characteristics. However, it's worth noting that sound is also influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which could lead to varying results with the Mars switches.
In terms of feel, the BCP switches are characterized by a unique combination of bounciness and creaminess. The bouncy aspect provides a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience, allowing for a lively and responsive keystroke. Coupled with the creamy sensation, the BCP offers a smooth typing experience, akin to gliding fingers over the keys. This blend makes each keystroke satisfying and enjoyable. Unfortunately, there is no specific description of the feel of the Gateron Mars switches available, which prevents a thorough comparison. Without additional data, it's uncertain how they might stack up against the tactile qualities of the BCP.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and a feel that is both bouncy and creamy, delivering an engaging typing experience. The Gateron Mars switches, while innovative in their design, lack detailed information about their auditory and tactile experiences, making it challenging to provide a full comparison. Both switches undoubtedly cater to different preferences, but if you're drawn to the lively sounds and satisfying feel of the BCP, you may find the BCP more aligned with your typing style, while the Mars may require further exploration to ascertain any similar qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a unique auditory experience combined with a lively and bouncy typing feel, the Sarokeys BCP is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 57 grams provides a satisfying balance, making it suitable for both casual gaming and extended typing sessions, while the clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable dimension to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more innovative design and a potentially smoother typing experience, you may want to explore the Gateron Mars switches, even though the exact bottom-out force is unknown. The Mars features a combination of materials aimed at creating a high-quality feel, potentially appealing to those who appreciate a more experimental switch but may fall short if you're looking for specific characteristics or sound profile references. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, and your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and bounce or are more intrigued by innovative designs and feel.
Mentioned in this article
