Kailh BCP vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and KTT Lightning stand out as two compelling options, each with distinct characteristics suited for different preferences. The Kailh BCP is a modern take on the beloved Black Cherry Pie switches, providing a creamy, elastic feel that's both bouncy and satisfying to type on. Its unique sound profile features a poppy and clacky tone, making it not only pleasurable for the fingers but also for the ears, ideal for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are designed for speed, catering to gamers and competitive typists who require rapid actuation where every millisecond counts. With a slick typing experience and a clacky sound profile that keeps the energy high, the Lightnings prioritize performance and responsiveness. While both switches offer linear action, their distinctive feels and sound characteristics appeal to different user needs. 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
52g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and KTT Lightning switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the auditory feedback experienced during typing. The BCP utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer texture. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile reminiscent of traditional switches. In contrast, the KTT Lightning is crafted with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This rigidity leads to a sharper, crisper sound profile, offering a more resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to the clear nature of the polycarbonate. While both switches produce satisfying auditory experiences, the contrasting materials lead to significantly different sound characteristics, with nylon offering a muted, rounder tone and polycarbonate providing a brighter, more echoing sound.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housing of both switches, we find that they share a common material—nylon. The nylon bottom housing replicates the classic properties associated with this material, contributing to the deeper and fuller auditory feedback exclusive to both switches. As a result, while the KTT Lightning's top housing generates a sharp sound, its nylon bottom will still absorb sound during the keypress, ensuring a cohesive experience with a slightly muted bottom-out sound. The shared nylon bottom creates a uniformity in the switches that balances out the differences in their top housings, leading to a keypress that feels smooth and consistent across both models despite the variations in sound quality.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in both models creates nuanced typing experiences. The Kailh BCP, with its nylon top and bottom housing, presents users with a classic, softer auditory profile. Meanwhile, the KTT Lightning, with its contrasting polycarbonate top housing and identical nylon bottom, blends the advantages of both materials, culminating in a unique sound experience that maintains the soft, muted feel while introducing a sharper auditory presence from the top. This combination allows users who prefer nylon’s characteristics while still wanting some brightness in their keystrokes to enjoy a customized experience, highlighting how different materials can complement each other even when they provide varied sound profiles at the same time.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh BCP features a medium-heavy actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a heavier option for typists who prefer a more substantial feel, which can lead to increased satisfaction during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Lightning offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter setup can be ideal for users who prioritize comfort and extended usage without fatigue. Thus, while the BCP switch is better suited for those seeking a firmer, more tactile experience, the Lightning gives a softer touch for easy keystrokes, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, the BCP boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lightning offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the KTT Lightning the more shallow option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. In contrast, the Kailh BCP, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who favor a deeper and more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preferences: if you prioritize responsiveness, the Lightning would be the preferable option, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced actuation depth, the BCP would be more fitting.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 Kailh BCP switch produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, giving it a lively acoustic signature that many typists enjoy. This sound can be characterized as sharp and snappy, contributing to a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning also maintains a clacky sound profile but incorporates elements of being high-pitched and chirpy. This means that those who opt for the Lightning switches can expect a crisp, bright sound that is both percussive and slightly squeaky, creating a unique audio experience during use. Both switches, while different in their subtle nuances, offer a satisfying clack that is likely to please enthusiasts who appreciate audible feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, Kailh's BCP offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy typing experience that adds a distinct level of engagement while typing. This unique tactile feedback can make typing enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a bit of springiness in their keystrokes. The KTT Lightning, in contrast, is known for its polished and subtle feel, providing gentle resistance that maintains a slick, smooth typing experience. This ease of key travel fosters a sense of speed, which can be particularly advantageous for competitive gaming. Though the feel between the switches diverges, each offers a refined experience suited to different preferences, from the bounciness of the BCP to the polished smoothness of the Lightning.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and KTT Lightning switches hold their own unique appeal, with the BCP emphasizing a lively, elastic feel and a poppy sound, while the Lightning focuses on a polished typing experience with a bright, clacky auditory profile. Depending on personal preference, either switch can deliver enjoyable results; those who favor tactile feedback may lean toward the BCP, while speed and smoothness enthusiasts might find the KTT Lightning more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches cater to different styles of typing and gaming, ensuring that users can find satisfaction in either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP and the KTT Lightning linear switches should align closely with your specific typing preferences and use case. Opt for the Kailh BCP if you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that delivers a unique, bouncy typing experience complemented by a signature poppy and clacky sound. These characteristics make the BCP an excellent choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and a lighter touch, the KTT Lightning switch will serve you well. With its lower actuation force and polished feel, it is designed for quick keystrokes and responsiveness, making it particularly suitable for gamers or typists who thrive on speed and precision. Overall, your decision should be guided by whether you prefer a more dynamic and textured experience with the BCP or a smoother, faster response with the Lightning, ensuring your mechanical keyboard meets your personal needs effectively.
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