Sarokeys BCP vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, distinct characteristics set them apart. The Sarokeys BCP offers a unique experience with its creamy and bouncy feel, providing users with a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch delivers a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, ideal for those seeking speediness and responsiveness, particularly gamers and typists. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver, it is evident that they use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The BCP features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a similar deep and full sound when typing.
Another key difference between the Sarokeys BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver lies in their top and bottom housing materials. While the BCP employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound profile, the Yellow Silver uses a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This configuration allows the Yellow Silver to have a sharper sound on keypress due to the polycarbonate top housing while maintaining a deeper sound on bottom-out thanks to the nylon bottom housing. The contrasting materials used in each switch contribute to their unique sound profiles.
In terms of tactile experience, the housing materials used in the Sarokeys BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver play a crucial role. With the BCP utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the typing experience is characterized by a consistent deep and full sound profile. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing respectively creates a more dynamic sound profile, with a sharper sound on keypress and a deeper sound on bottom-out. The choice of housing materials in each switch impacts not only the sound produced but also the tactile feedback felt by the user, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have similar actuation forces, with the Yellow Silver being slightly lighter at 45 grams compared to the BCP's 51 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The differences in force between the two switches may be subtle, but they can impact the overall typing feel for users who have specific preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and whether a lighter or slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force is preferred.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The BCP's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance could be preferred by those seeking a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Yellow Silver leaning towards the deeper end. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, resulting in a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the BCP leaning towards a more lively and tactile experience, while the Yellow Silver focuses on speediness and responsiveness.
Moving on to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation combined with a smooth and buttery typing experience. This unique combination offers a tactile and smooth typing experience, where the keys effortlessly rebound and glide with ease. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is currently unavailable. The BCP switch stands out for its unique texture and feedback, delivering a premium typing experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The BCP switch is known for its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, providing users with a tactile and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch focuses on a neutral sound profile and speediness, catering to gamers and typists who prioritize responsiveness. While both switches may offer similar results in some aspects, such as smooth key presses, users can expect distinct characteristics that cater to their individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the specific qualities and preferences you are looking for in a switch. If you enjoy a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a neutral sound profile for gaming or typing, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for feel, sound, and intended use of the switch.
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