Sarokeys BCP vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it's important to note that both offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The BCP by Sarokeys provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a signature clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and audible response while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a slightly heavier feel with a deeper thocky sound profile, providing a textured typing experience that combines responsiveness with a low-pitched auditory depth. 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
N/A
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and Cherry MX Red switches both feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the impact of the top and bottom housings varies in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. This difference in housing design may lead to subtle variations in typing experience between the Sarokeys BCP and Cherry MX Red switches.
Despite the variations in housing design, the use of nylon as the primary material for both the Sarokeys BCP and Cherry MX Red switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The dull and round sound created by nylon's sound-absorbing properties contributes to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. Ultimately, while there may be slight differences in the impact of the top and bottom housings, the shared use of nylon as a housing material guarantees a consistent level of quality in both the Sarokeys BCP and Cherry MX Red switches.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red's 45 grams, making the BCP slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams compared to the MX Red's unknown force. The BCP linear switch offers a medium-light feel with its actuation and bottom out force, while the MX Red's force is unavailable. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Red for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the BCP for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The BCP switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the MX Red switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more substantial key press feel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 known for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a deeper and more robust sound profile, described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a rich and satisfying auditory depth. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for a sharper or deeper sound.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch provides a textured typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like elastic feedback that is marked by a smooth and buttery sensation. The Cherry MX Red linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its slightly textured feel, which may provide a different tactile feedback compared to the smoother BCP switch. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the BCP switch offering a more bouncy and creamy feel while the MX Red switch providing a textured typing experience.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The BCP switch is praised for its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, while the MX Red switch is known for its deeper, thocky sound and slightly textured feel. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but overall, both switches provide quality typing experiences with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction from both switches, despite their differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a creamy and bouncy feel, along with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier linear switch with a deeper thocky sound profile and a textured feel, then the Cherry MX Red linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider your preferences in terms of feel and sound when deciding between these two switches to find the best fit for your typing needs.
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