Gateron Ink Red vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and Kailh BCP represent two compelling options for users who favor linear switches, each offering a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is praised for its lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a smoother and more effortless typing experience, often resulting in fast and precise key presses. Users often appreciate the Ink Red's mildly crispy and clacky sound profile, giving a satisfying auditory feedback that complements its silky feel. In contrast, the Kailh BCP takes inspiration from the beloved Black Cherry Pie switches, providing a distinct typing sensation characterized by a creamy, bouncy elasticity. Additionally, the BCP switch features a signature poppy sound, enhancing the tactile feedback while eliminating the need for disassembly hassles through its custom-molded design. While the Ink Red may be better suited for those who prioritize a lighter touch and smoothness, the BCP offers a more textured and dynamic experience for typists seeking a greater depth in responsiveness. 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
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red switches and the Kailh BCP switches, a notable distinction arises between the Gateron proprietary INK blend and the classic nylon material used in the BCP switches. The Gateron Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which lends itself to a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that many users describe as clacky. This characteristic is likely due to the material's rigidity, which contributes to the sharpness in audio feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP utilizes nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller, and rounder audio signature. This fundamental difference illustrates how the choice of housing material directly influences the auditory experience of each switch.
Both switches share a common trait of influencing the overall sound profile, yet the impact of their respective housings differs significantly. With the Gateron Ink Red, the proprietary INK blend enables both the top and bottom housings to contribute to the clacky sound profile, making the feedback crisp and more pronounced when keys are released. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Kailh BCP dampens sound, resulting in a more muted acoustic response that is characterized by a lack of sharpness. The divide in their sound characteristics, with Gateron emphasizing a sharper sound and Kailh offering a more subdued experience, attests to the variations brought about by different material properties.
In terms of tactile feedback and the overall feel of usage, the differences in housing materials also play a significant role. The INK blend allows for a pronounced sound upon key release, enhancing the typing experience for those who favor a more auditory click. Meanwhile, the plush feel of nylon in the BCP should serve to slightly cushion the impact felt during bottoming out, thereby offering a different typing sensation. While both switches are designed for performance, the unique qualities of their respective housing materials deliver differentiated auditory and tactile feedback, appealing to various user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Overall, while the switches are distinctly different in their configurations, they both provide engaging and satisfying typing experiences shaped by their individual material properties.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Red switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them lighter compared to the Kailh BCP, which requires a stronger actuation force of 52 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Ink Red is 60 grams, while the BCP has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Gateron Ink Red is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for more comfortable extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Kailh BCP, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appeals to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, if a user values a less forceful press, the Gateron Ink Red would be the preferable choice, whereas those seeking a firmer push would benefit more from the Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Ink Red stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the BCP measures 3.5 mm. This means that the Ink Red provides a longer travel experience, which could be more satisfying for those who enjoy a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the BCP may appeal to gamers and users looking for quicker response times and a more streamlined feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference; those who prefer a more traditional and substantial press might gravitate towards the Ink Red, while those seeking a snappier and more responsive experience may favor the Kailh BCP.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a unique acoustic profile that is both crispy and clacky, enhancing the auditory experience of typing. This switch has a chirpy quality that can contribute a distinct character to your keystrokes, making them feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP linear switch is also known for its clacky sound profile; however, specific attributes of its acoustic signature are not detailed. Given this similarity, expectations for a satisfying auditory experience can be reasonably matched between the two switches, though the Ink Red's additional chirpy characteristic may lend it a slight edge in vibrancy.
In terms of feel, the Ink Red shines with a notably silky and polished typing experience, marked by minimal resistance and a smooth key travel that makes typing feel effortless. The mild nature of this switch ensures a gentle and approachable experience for a broad range of users, catering well to those who prefer a subtler touch without sacrificing responsiveness. On the flip side, the Kailh BCP has not been described in detail regarding its tactile characteristics or overall feel. This creates a bit of uncertainty, but the Ink Red’s clear advantages suggest that if you value smoothness and a refined touch, the Gateron Ink Red would be a compelling choice.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Red and Kailh BCP linear switches offer a clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience, the Ink Red has defined qualities that set it apart, such as its crispy chirpy auditory feedback and silky, polished feel. The BCP, lacking detailed information regarding its tactile feedback, presents a level of ambiguity in comparison, but its reimagined design may offer its own unique traits. Ultimately, if you seek a smooth and engaging typing experience with pronounced sound characteristics, the Gateron Ink Red may be the more reliable choice, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Ink Red and Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and preferences. If you favor a lighter touch and a switch that delivers a silky-smooth feel, the Ink Red is an excellent choice. Its moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams and neutral yet chirpy sound profile make it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office. You’ll find it effortless to type on, and its polished finish enhances the overall typing experience without overwhelming you, making it ideal for those who prefer a more gentle tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel with a slightly heavier actuation force, you might opt for the Kailh BCP switch. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the BCP offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience that can feel more satisfying in demanding typing sessions or gaming. Its unique poppy sound profile adds an engaging auditory element that differentiates it from the Ink Red. Therefore, if you are after a switch that provides a more dynamic and tactile feedback, the BCP is the way to go. Both switches present distinct advantages, so consider your typing habits and environment to select the one that best suits your needs.
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