Sarokeys BCP vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Black. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, is a modern take on the classic Black Cherry Pies. Offering a creamy and bouncy typing experience, these switches provide a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile without the need for switch disassembly and reassembly. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, also a linear switch, is known for its deep sound profile and classic textured smoothness achieved through Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. While the BCP offers a bouncy and creamy feel, the MX Black provides a stiffer and textured typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Black utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material contributes to a similar typing experience for both switches, providing users with a tactile and satisfying feel.
While both the BCP and MX Black switches share nylon as their housing material, the impact of this material differs depending on whether it is used in the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction in housing placement can result in subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the two switches, despite their shared nylon construction. Users may find that one switch offers a slightly different typing experience compared to the other due to how the nylon material is utilized in the switch design.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Black demonstrate how the choice of housing material can impact the user experience when typing on mechanical switches. While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, the placement of this material in the switch design can lead to nuanced differences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, whether you choose the BCP or the MX Black, you can expect a tactile typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the unique properties of nylon as a switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The BCP has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the MX Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the BCP has a lower bottom out force of 57 grams, while the MX Black has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams. The BCP provides a medium-light feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the MX Black offers a heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Understanding the differences in actuation and bottom out forces is essential for selecting a switch that best suits individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the BCP may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the MX Black may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different sensations when typing or gaming, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference whether one prefers the shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 linear switch is known for its signature clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When choosing between the two based on sound preference, consider whether you prefer the sharpness of a clacky sound or the deeper tone of a low-pitched switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like, elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. In comparison, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is noted for its textured feel, with noticeable friction when pressed, and a stiff actuation that requires more force to press the keys. The BCP switch provides a lively and smooth typing experience, while the MX Black switch offers a more tactile and stiff feel.
Overall, when choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it comes down to personal preference in both sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing experience, the BCP switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a textured, stiff feel, the MX Black switch may be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience also depends on factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance from either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys BCP linear switch or the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, creamy feel with a signature clacky sound, then the BCP switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured, stiff feel with a low-pitched sound, then the MX Black switch might be more to your liking. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and Cherry MX Black switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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