Sarokeys BCP vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The BCP by Sarokeys is renowned for its creamy and bouncy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the BCP offers a more tactile feel with a clackier sound, the MX Silent Red provides a muted and thocky 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made from this material. This creates a duller and rounder sound, making typing a more pleasant and immersive experience. With both switches using nylon for their housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both the BCP and the MX Silent Red.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the design and construction of the top and bottom housings may differ between the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Silent Red. The qualities that each housing material brings to the switch will be distributed differently, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing of a switch will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing the key. These subtle differences in housing design can contribute to a unique typing experience for each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the Cherry MX Silent Red will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches use nylon for their housing material, the distribution of these materials in the top and bottom housings may result in slightly different typing experiences. Users looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile may prefer one switch over the other based on how the housing materials are implemented in the design. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with the use of nylon housing material.
Weight
Comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the BCP has a slightly heavier actuation force of 51 grams compared to the 45 grams of the MX Silent Red. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP also comes out as slightly heavier with 57 grams as opposed to the unknown bottom out force of the MX Silent Red. Both switches fall within the medium-light range in terms of actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between ease of typing and a bit of resistance. When it comes to weight, the MX Silent Red may be a better choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, while the BCP may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Sarokeys BCP for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offers a distinctive clacky auditory experience, characterized by sharp and snappy sounds that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound profile, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the MX Silent Red switch offers a thocky sound, producing deep, rich, and satisfying tones, along with a low-pitched bass-heavy sound. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users may appreciate either the lively clacky sound of the BCP or the quieter yet satisfying thocky sound of the MX Silent Red.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch boasts a bouncy sensation with a creamy type feel, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives keys a lively and rebounding quality. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as having a textured feel, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. While the BCP offers a silky and buttery typing experience with effortless keystrokes, the MX Silent Red may appeal to users who prefer a bit of texture or feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP provides a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the MX Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a textured feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound feedback and key texture, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If a user enjoys the clacky sound and bouncy feel, they may find similar satisfaction with the MX Silent Red switch, albeit with a quieter sound profile and a slightly different tactile sensation. Ultimately, the best switch choice will be determined by individual preferences and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a distinct clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing experience, the BCP may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard switch selection. Happy typing!
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