KTT Cream Yellow vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the KTT Cream Yellow and Kailh BCP both stand out as prominent options, each delivering unique experiences. The Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy feel, due to its shortened bottom-out distance, elongated spring, and long-pole stem, which together create a melodious auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP is a reimagined version of the classic Black Cherry Pie, offering a creamy and elastic typing experience while also maintaining a poppy and clacky sound profile. Both switches are categorized as linear, which means they provide a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, but their individual sound characteristics and feedback sensations set them apart. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference concerning sound and feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Kailh BCP switches, it becomes evident that they utilize different materials for the top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. The KTT Cream Yellow switch features a polycarbonate top housing coupled with a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate provides a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it particularly effective at enhancing the sound quality, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switches are constructed entirely from nylon for both housing components. As a classic switch material, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a rounder typing experience by absorbing more sound.
This distinction in materials leads to unique user experiences; with the Cream Yellow, the resolute clarity of the polycarbonate top contrasts with the subdued tones from the nylon bottom. As a result, users may find that the Cream Yellow switch provides a crisper auditory feedback when releasing the key, while delivering a softer landing sound when bottoming out. The Kailh BCP, with its monochromatic nylon construction, offers a more uniform sound throughout, presenting less contrast between the sounds produced when pressing down and releasing a key. The cohesive nature of the nylon in the BCP could appeal to those who prefer a more subtle auditory profile without the sharpness of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can produce satisfying results within the typing experience. If someone is looking to achieve a more varied tactile and auditory experience, they may prefer the KTT Cream Yellow for its combination of crisp highs from polycarbonate and plush lows from nylon. Conversely, for those who appreciate the humbleness and consistency of a nylon-dominant profile, the Kailh BCP would undoubtedly cater to their preferences. Ultimately, while the composition of the housings is distinct, users can enjoy a rich array of mechanical switch experiences by selecting based on their desired sound profile and tactile feedback based on the interplay of the top and bottom materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch with the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the BCP has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams. This makes the Cream Yellow the lighter option, potentially providing a more comfortable typing experience for those who prefer less effort over extended periods, such as during long gaming sessions or work tasks. In terms of bottom out forces, the Cream Yellow measures 58 grams, in contrast to the Kailh BCP's heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The increased resistance of the BCP at both stages may cater to users requiring a more pronounced tactile feedback and a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy spectrum, the KTT Cream Yellow is the lighter choice, offering a smoother and less strenuous keystroke experience compared to the more robust Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience an equivalent distance of feedback. This similarity in travel distance suggests that they may yield comparable performance and feel when used in keyboard applications. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke depth and responsiveness when utilizing either switch, making both options equally viable for those seeking a linear switch experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctly clacky audio profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that feels both crisp and percussive. The design features, such as the shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, enhance this resonant auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, while the Kailh BCP switch is also characterized by a poppy and clacky sound, the specific details may vary as the sound's intricacies depend on the custom mold of the switch. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying auditory experience but may have nuanced differences based on their design elements.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow offers a notably bouncy typing experience, attributed to its longer spring and design intended for elastic feedback. The sensation when typing is lively, giving each key press a rebound that can make prolonged typing enjoyable. The Kailh BCP switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, viscous, and elastic, which suggests a similarly bouncy feel. While the exact tactile experience may differ slightly due to the variation in the switch mechanism, both are designed to provide a dynamic and engaging typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy responsive switches.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Kailh BCP linear switches offer distinct yet complementary traits in sound and feel that can cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow leans heavily into its clacky audio profile and bouncy feedback, the BCP provides a unique interpretation with a signature poppy sound and a similar elastic feel. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a vibrant auditory and tactile typing experience, you will find both options to deliver satisfying results, though their specific characteristics may resonate more with individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Kailh BCP linear switch, consider both your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium spring force and enjoy a distinctly clacky sound alongside a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch is an excellent choice. Its shorter bottom-out distance and long-pole stem create a lively, resonant feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it ideal for users who revel in auditory stimulation and a more dynamic response. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy spring force with a more viscous and elastic feel, the BCP switch might be better suited for you. This switch offers a rich and satisfying typing experience characterized by a signature poppy sound and sturdy feel, perfect for those who favor a bit more resistance for tactile feedback during use. Ultimately, your final choice should reflect your unique preferences for sound, feel, and typing resistance to ensure that your mechanical keyboard experience is both enjoyable and tailor-fit to your style.
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