TTC Bluish White vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh BCP stand out as distinct choices catering to different typing preferences. The TTC Bluish White switches are particularly appealing for those who appreciate a tactile feedback and a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, characterized by a snappy sound profile that feels both polished and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switches take the classic concept of linear switches to a new level with their custom-molded design, offering a creamy and bouncy feel that enhances the typing experience while eliminating disassembly hassles. With their signature clacky sound profile, the BCPs are ideal for users who favor a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump. Ultimately, whether one prefers the tactile engagement of the Bluish Whites or the fluidity of the BCPs, personal preference plays a crucial role. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Kailh BCP switches showcase notable differences in their top housing materials, each contributing distinct characteristics to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The TTC Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This stiffer material produces a sharper and crisper sound that resonates well, making it particularly appealing for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced compatibility with RGB lighting, illuminating the switch in a visually striking manner. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice among switch designs. The softer nature of nylon means that it absorbs more sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile—one that is often described as warmer and more rounded. This fundamental difference in material composition sets the two switches apart in terms of auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the TTC Bluish White and Kailh BCP switches demonstrate a shared material choice, as both employ nylon for this component. Nylon's sound-dampening properties contribute to a richer auditory feedback, creating a more muted and rounded bottom-out sound that is appealing to users who might dislike the sharper tones produced by harder plastics. In this context, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the tactile feel as well as the auditory feedback during the key press, emphasizing the nuanced experiences that can arise from even minor variations in housing materials. Since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they have a common grounding in terms of sound consistency during key presses, which assists in providing a familiar typing experience for enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing in the TTC Bluish White yields a unique interplay of sound profiles—where the upper housing contributes to a brighter tone upon key release and the lower housing ensures a rounded bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP harmonizes its fully nylon construction to provide a more uniform and subdued experience throughout. Given that the bottom housings in both switches are the same material, one can expect a degree of auditory similarity in the bottom-out sound, despite the differing characteristics of the top housings. This balance of materials invites keyboard enthusiasts to consider not just the individual components, but how the integration of these materials can craft a distinctive sound and feel, drawing attention to the intrinsic subtleties in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch with the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This means that users opting for the Bluish White will experience a lighter and potentially less fatiguing keystroke, while the Kailh BCP will provide a firmer feedback, which might be preferred by individuals looking for a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, the TTC Bluish White is the lighter option, whereas the Kailh BCP is the heavier one, with each catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that pressing either switch down will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the switch moves from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance ensures that users can expect consistent feedback when utilizing either switch, making them comparable in performance for those who prioritize that specific aspect in their keyboard experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can achieve similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 TTC Bluish White switch features a low-pitched sound profile, producing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke. This auditory quality tends to evoke a sense of warmth during typing sessions, making it generally approachable for various environments. The sound is characterized as poppy, adding to the engaging experience. In contrast, while the specifics of the Kailh BCP linear switch are not provided, it is known for delivering a clacky sound profile that complements its design. As sound perception can vary between setups, the final audio experience will ultimately depend on individual keycaps and the keyboard itself.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch offers a complex tactile experience characterized by several qualities. It provides a buttery and polished keystroke that facilitates seamless typing, which is complemented by a mild and subtle approach, keeping the experience gentle, yet engaging. The stepped nature introduces delicate tactile feedback, allowing for nuanced keystrokes where you can noticeably sense both pre-travel and post-travel moments. These qualities blend together to form a typing sensation that is enjoyable for long sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch boasts a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy feeling, which is generally appreciated in linear switches for its smoothness and responsiveness, while the absence of details prevents a precise comparison of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch present unique auditory and tactile experiences for typists. The Bluish White captivates with its low-pitched, poppy sound and refined feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile yet mild experience. Conversely, the BCP's signature clackiness paired with its bouncy character offers a different aesthetic for users seeking a smoother, linear ride. While both switches can bring satisfying results, their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback cater to different typing preferences, fulfilling a range of user desires on mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a lighter keypress with a snappy, low-pitched sound profile and a satisfyingly poppy response, the Bluish White is likely the better option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, polished and buttery feel, and subtle sound characteristics make it well-suited for both casual typing and extensive work sessions, especially in shared spaces where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust tactile experience with a medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom-out force combined with a bouncy and viscous feel, the Kailh BCP might be more to your liking. It delivers a clacky sound and a signature typing experience that can provide a satisfying "pop" that many users adore, making it ideal for those who require a bit more feedback and enjoy the tactile response. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing style and whether you prioritize sound, force, or tactile feedback in your keyboard experience.
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