Sarokeys BCP vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the TTC Silent Red stand out as two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Sarokeys BCP is known for its bouncy, creamy feel and signature clacky sound profile, providing a unique typing experience that is both tactile and audible. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is celebrated for its buttery, mild feel and muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, perfect for office or shared living spaces. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as comfort and noise level, diving deeper into their characteristics will allow you to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the TTC Silent Red switches both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The BCP's nylon top housing is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While the BCP's nylon bottom housing shares similar qualities with its top housing in terms of sound profile, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing also offers a deep and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature.
Despite having different top housing materials, the BCP and Silent Red switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material results in a similar experience when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, influencing the overall typing experience. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both the BCP and Silent Red switches offer users a consistent sound profile that is deep and resonant.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches such as the Sarokeys BCP and TTC Silent Red comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. Nylon provides a softer and duller sound, ideal for those looking for a more muted typing experience, while polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound profile for those seeking a clearer and more resonant typing feel. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing different qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, both the BCP and Silent Red switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP has an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, falling within the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Red switch is lighter to actuate but requires more force to bottom out compared to the BCP switch. This can affect typing and gaming experiences depending on individual preferences. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the BCP for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for the intended use.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the BCP has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red switch. The shorter travel distance of the BCP may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Red may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter sound to minimize noise in shared environments. Depending on your preference for sound, the BCP will give you a more pronounced and distinctive auditory experience, while the Silent Red will keep things subtle and unobtrusive.
Moving on to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is described as having a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a lively feel that offers spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing experience, but the BCP may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and bouncy feel, while the Silent Red is perfect for those looking for a seamless and refined typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a more pronounced sound profile, the BCP switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted and buttery typing experience with a more subtle sound profile, the Silent Red switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall comfort and performance, with the main differences lying in the auditory and tactile feedback they offer.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Sarokeys BCP linear switches and TTC Silent Red linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing experience, then the BCP switches may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted sound and a smoother, more polished feel while typing, then the Silent Red switches would be the ideal choice. Consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard, as well as your typing style and preferences, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so weigh your options carefully to find the switch that best suits your needs.
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