TTC Gold Red vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the TTC Gold Red and the Kailh BCP, both of which are linear switches but cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel and light-medium resistance, creating an enjoyable typing experience that balances feedback and comfort. Its subtle, thocky sound profile adds a tasteful touch to your setup without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP reimagines the beloved Black Cherry Pie switches, offering a creamy and elastic typing experience characterized by a delightful poppy and clacky sound that brings an energetic twist to your keystrokes. While the Gold Red is perfect for those looking for a refined and understated feel, the BCP caters to users who enjoy a more engaging auditory response. 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
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Kailh BCP switches play a significant role in shaping their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The TTC Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, more precise sound. This material's rigidity contributes to a crisper auditory impact, which can be particularly appealing for users desiring a bright acoustic feedback during typing. In contrast, the Kailh BCP is constructed with a nylon top housing, which results in a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, offering a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when typing. Therefore, while the Gold Red excels in delivering a clearer sound, the BCP provides a warmer acoustic experience.
When examining the bottom housings, both the TTC Gold Red and Kailh BCP utilize nylon material, which generates similar auditory characteristics. This is interesting as both switches leverage nylon's inherent properties to produce a deeper sound profile during the actuation phase. The classic nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller response that adds richness to the typing experience. While the Gold Red's nylon bottom contributes to that fuller sound profile, its impact is felt distinctly at the bottom-out phase, where the downstroke culminates. Here, the qualities imparted by the nylon material deliver a satisfying and cohesive sound regardless of the differences present in their top housings.
As such, the combination of polycarbonate for the TTC Gold Red's top housing and nylon for both bottom housings presents a divergence in their tonal character. The polycarbonate top amplifies the brightness of sound during release, whereas the nylon's presence serves to enrich the depth felt during actuation. If both switches were to feature the same nylon housing across the board, one would experience a more uniform sound profile, merging the qualities of each material. Ultimately, these differences underscore the importance of materials in designing switches that cater to varied preferences, whether seeking an invigorating ping or a smooth thud.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red switch features a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch presents a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, the TTC Gold Red is deemed the lighter option, while the Kailh BCP is classified as medium-heavy. Users seeking a more relaxed typing experience may gravitate towards the Gold Red, whereas those looking for a firmer response may prefer the BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the BCP offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference illustrates a common preference: gamers often gravitate towards the Kailh BCP for its quicker response time due to the shorter distance, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize speed. Conversely, the TTC Gold Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper, more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, if you favor responsiveness, the Kailh BCP would be the better option, while those who appreciate a more hearty depth may opt for the Gold Red. In summary, the Gold Red is the longer switch, and the BCP is the shorter switch, catering to different user preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched profile that delivers a deep, rich sound upon key press. This sound has an inherent neutrality, making it versatile and suitable for various environments such as home or office settings. The moderate actuation force provides a satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming the senses. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch does not have its sound profile detailed. Therefore, it's difficult to compare their auditory experiences directly, but one can expect the Gold Red to provide a more refined auditory character overall.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switches are celebrated for their mild, silky, and polished texture. This results in an exceptionally smooth and gentle typing experience with subtle resistance, catering to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The refined characteristics allow for smooth key travel, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the feel profile of the Kailh BCP switches remains undisclosed, making it challenging to directly compare against the Gold Red. However, the subjective smoothness and tactile feedback of both could likely vary significantly depending on individual preferences.
When considering both sound and feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out with a well-defined auditory signature and a smooth typing experience. The Kailh BCP switch, while lacking specific information, may yield different sensations and sounds that could appeal to distinct preferences. Overall, if you're seeking a balanced and refined typing experience, the TTC Gold Red is an excellent choice, while the Kailh BCP may offer an alternative experience that is still worth exploring, depending on your specific tactile and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a delightfully smooth and forgiving typing experience, then the Gold Red is an excellent choice. Its soft bottom-out force of 50 grams offers ease of use that can be especially beneficial for long typing sessions or for those who tend to make frequent key presses. The subtle sound profile that leans towards a low-pitched thocky feel makes it discreet enough for office environments, while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile and responsive typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Kailh BCP switch would suit you better. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a unique poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP is designed to deliver a dynamic and engaging typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced reaction on each key press. Its bouncy feel can add a level of enjoyment and satisfaction, particularly for gaming or fast typists who appreciate a bit more feedback. In essence, your decision should reflect your typing needs: go for the Gold Red for a smooth, gentle touch or choose the BCP for a lively, robust feel.
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