Sarokeys BCP vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The BCP offers a bouncy, creamy feel with a clacky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without sacrificing smoothness. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is renowned for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Durock Medium Tactile, it is evident that they both prioritize sound profiles, but achieve different results. The BCP's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and resonant sound. While the BCP's nylon bottom housing mirrors the top housing's sound profile, the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, continuing to offer a deep and full sound profile.
Despite their differences, the BCP and the Medium Tactile share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This classic switch housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Whether in the top or bottom housing, the nylon material offers a consistent sound experience across both switches. However, the BCP's nylon top housing differs from the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing, with the latter providing a clearer and sharper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This variation in top housing material ultimately influences the sound produced when pressing down on a key or releasing it.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the Durock Medium Tactile housing materials comes down to personal preference regarding sound profiles. While both switches offer a deep and full sound profile thanks to the use of nylon in their bottom housing, the BCP's softer plastic composition results in a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and clearer sound. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound profile when pressing down on a key or releasing it can help users make an informed decision based on their sound preferences and typing experience.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams while the Medium Tactile switch needs 65 grams. This makes the BCP switch overall lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be a better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter of the two switches. The BCP's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Medium Tactile's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so selecting the right one depends on personal preference and intended use.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 renowned for its clacky profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, which is described as pronounced yet balanced. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing experience. The switch offers a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel with each keystroke. The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. These qualities indicate a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP provides a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Durock switch offers a jelly-like sound and a tactile experience that is accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique qualities. If you enjoy one, you may find similar results with the other, but ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between Sarokeys BCP linear switch and Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the characteristics that suit your preferences best. If you enjoy a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a poppy and clacky sound profile, then the Sarokeys BCP linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with accented tactility, a stepped feel, and a polished finish that produces a jelly-like sound, then the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the overall feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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