Sarokeys BCP vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and Kailh Sage offer distinctive experiences for users. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, is known for its creamy and bouncy feel, giving typists a satisfying and clacky sound profile without the need for laborious switch disassembly. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, provides a sharp and crunchy typing experience with a heavy actuation weight. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
One key difference between the Sarokeys BCP and the Kailh Sage is the material used for their respective top housings. The BCP utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. This contrast in materials leads to a significant difference in the sound produced by these switches, catering to different preferences for sound and typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Kailh Sage use nylon, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights a shared characteristic between the BCP and Sage, ensuring that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Sarokeys BCP and the Kailh Sage differ in their top housing material, with the BCP featuring nylon and the Sage using polycarbonate, they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This difference in top housing material results in contrasting sound profiles, with the BCP offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sage provides a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between these two switches.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which is listed with an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the BCP has a slightly lighter force of 57 grams compared to the Sage's heavier 70 grams. This means that the BCP switch will require less force to initially trigger a keystroke but will also bottom out with less force compared to the Sage switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the BCP switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Sage switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired amount of force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sage has the longer travel distance compared to the BCP. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the BCP would be the better option. On the other hand, the Sage might be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a deeper key press experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, but overall, the choice between them comes down to whether one prefers a 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 offers a clacky keyboard switch experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a crunchy typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the BCP focusing on a poppy and clacky sound, while the Sage emphasizes a sharp clickiness.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. The keys provide a spring-like, elastic feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This combination of bounciness and creaminess gives users a lively feel with a silky sensation, making for a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. This switch provides pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the BCP emphasizes a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Sage focuses on a crunchy sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile feedback. Both switches are unique in their own right, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys BCP linear switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a creamy and bouncy typing experience accompanied by a signature clacky sound, then the BCP switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force with a sharp clicky sound and an invigorating or sharp tactile feel when typing, then the Sage switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your desired typing experience.
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