Sarokeys BCP vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Taichi both offer distinct experiences despite being linear switches. The BCP, affectionately dubbed the Black Cherry Pie, is celebrated for its unique clacky auditory profile and bouncy, creamy feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience combined with a satisfying sound when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi focuses on delivering an exceptional smoothness and stability, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that cater to users seeking a quieter, more refined typing experience. While both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate linear designs, their differing sound profiles and tactile characteristics allow for a tailored typing experience based on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Taichi, the most notable distinction lies in the top housing construction. The BCP uses nylon for its top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic is due to nylon being a softer plastic, which contributes to a more muted sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, owing to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate that enhances resonance. This difference in materials suggests that users of the BCP will experience a more subdued sound when pressing the keys, whereas the Taichi will provide a brighter auditory feedback, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing response.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency in construction means that both the BCP and Taichi will deliver a similar tactile feedback pattern when pressed down, as the nylon bottom houses provide that classic, deeper sound profile that users appreciate. Both switches enable a soft touch, ensuring that the feel of the switch remains smooth and enjoyable when typing. However, since the top housing materials vary, the final sound profile experienced at the bottom-out or release points will differ significantly, with the BCP giving a rounded tone and the Taichi producing a clearer, more resonant sound.
Overall, the variation in top housing materials between the Sarokeys BCP and Bsun Taichi highlights the importance of sound profile in the user experience. While the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a uniform tactile feeling, the contrasting materials employed for the top housing ultimately define the auditory character of each switch. Users seeking a richer, fuller sound may gravitate towards the BCP, whereas those who prioritize a sharper and more crisp feedback might prefer the Taichi. The differences in construction indicate that the choice of housing materials directly influences not only the physical feel of the switches but also the signature sound each option produces during use.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 51 grams, which is considered medium-light, providing a balanced feel that many typists and gamers may find comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the Taichi switch features a lighter actuation force of only 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prioritize a reduced effort while typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares with the BCP’s bottom out force of 57 grams, which indicates a firmer feedback when the switch is fully pressed. This heavier bottom out force of the BCP enhances the tactile experience for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke, while the lighter actuation of the Taichi might appeal to those looking for easier keystrokes. Overall, the Sarokeys BCP is the heavier option, while the Bsun Taichi stands out as the lighter choice, catering to different user preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the BCP offers a distance of 3.2 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the BCP switch would be the better choice as its shorter travel distance allows for faster key presses, which is particularly appealing to gamers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Taichi's longer travel distance may provide that desired depth, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Thus, while both switches have their merits, the BCP is the shorter option, and the Taichi is the longer one, catering to different preferences in key feel and typing experience.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch delivers a distinctly clacky auditory profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone that many typists appreciate for its crisp and bright quality. This sound is both engaging and satisfying, often adding an extra layer of enjoyment to typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is known for its high-pitched bottom-out sound, which stems from its long-pole stem and extended springs. While the description does not provide a direct comparison to the BCP's clacky nature, it suggests a different acoustic experience that may be perceived as more melodic or nuanced, particularly when bottoming out.
When considering the feel of each switch, the BCP stands out for its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bounce provides a lively, elastic feedback, enhancing the typing experience with a pleasant rebound after each keystroke. Coupled with its creamy texture, the BCP allows your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The feel of the Bsun Taichi switch remains undetermined in this context, leaving open the possibility that it could have its own unique tactile qualities that may appeal to various users, but specific characteristics have not been detailed.
In conclusion, while the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is celebrated for its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers an enchanting, high-pitched auditory signature and an unknown tactile experience. Ultimately, those interested in either switch will find pleasure in their audio and tactile feedback, but the specific preferences will hinge on whether one favors a lively, bouncy typing experience or the alluring sound properties of the Taichi. Thus, potential users can anticipate distinct auditory experiences while typing on these two switches, offering a chance for personal preference to guide their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more lively typing experience with a noticeable sound profile, the BCP is an excellent option. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 57 grams, you'll find it offers a delightful balance between responsive feedback and less finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The BCP's unique clacky auditory charm and creamy, bouncy feel make it perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile sensations and an engaging sound signature. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother and more stable typing experience, the Bsun Taichi might be more suitable for you. While specific bottom-out force data is currently unavailable, its long-pole stem design and extended springs promise an exceptionally smooth and stable keystroke. This makes it a great choice for gamers or typists who prefer silence without sacrificing a premium feel. Ultimately, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—whether it be tactile feedback, sound, or smoothness—to determine which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.