Sarokeys BCP vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct features to consider. The Sarokeys BCP is a linear switch known for its bouncy and creamy feel, along with a signature clacky sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch with a light actuation force of 37g, providing a satisfying tactile bump and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the BCP offers a unique bouncy sensation and clacky sound, the Phalaenopsis ensures effortless typing with its tactile feedback and minimal actuation force. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the KTT Phalaenopsis, one key difference is in the material used for the top housing. The BCP utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon top housing of the BCP absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis provides a clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the BCP and the Phalaenopsis feature different materials once again. The BCP boasts a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the characteristics of the nylon and polycarbonate materials contributing to these sensory experiences.
Overall, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the KTT Phalaenopsis housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the nylon housing of the BCP provides a more rounded and dull sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Phalaenopsis offers a clearer and more resonant sound. Both switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when pressing and releasing a key, and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper sound with the BCP's nylon housing or a sharper sound with the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate housing, both options offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 51 grams compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams, while the Phalaenopsis needs 50 grams. This makes the BCP switch overall slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch may be the better choice as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the BCP switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we can see that the BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The BCP falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a deeper travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and key feel. Both options offer reliable performance, but the BCP provides a slightly quicker press, while the Phalaenopsis offers a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
When it comes to sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a signature clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch provides a bassy and thocky sound, with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the BCP focusing on a crisp and bright sound, while the Phalaenopsis delivers a deeper and more satisfying thud-like noise. Depending on personal preference, users can select either switch based on their desired sound profile, keeping in mind that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch boasts a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery touch. On the contrary, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile bump in a more mild and controlled manner compared to a hyper-tactile switch. While the BCP delivers a lively and elastic feel, the Phalaenopsis offers a unique two-stage tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Users can choose between the bouncy and creamy feel of the BCP or the stepped tactile feedback of the Phalaenopsis, depending on their typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The BCP provides a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Phalaenopsis delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a stepped tactile sensation. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the BCP and the Phalaenopsis will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys BCP linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and effortless typing experience with a discernible tactile bump, then the Phalaenopsis switch with its 50g tactile force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a creamy and bouncy typing sensation accompanied by a signature clacky sound profile, then the BCP switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.
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