Kailh BCP vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, understanding the nuances between options can greatly influence your typing experience. The Kailh BCP switch offers a unique blend of creamy elasticity and a bouncy feel, reminiscent of the beloved Black Cherry Pie, while eliminating the disassembly hassles often encountered with traditional mechanical switches. Its typing experience is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky sound, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe excels in stability and smoothness, thanks to its innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures consistent keypresses. With its pre-lubed linear sensation and subtle sound signature, this switch is ideal for users who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and priorities, making them excellent choices in their own right. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The BCP features a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more absorbent characteristics. This material leads to a deeper and fuller sound, muffling high frequencies and creating a rounder audio experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and sharpness in sound. Unlike nylon, polycarbonate generates a resonant and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
On the flip side, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which means they will deliver a unified sound experience in this area. The nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper and softer quality, confirming that the result will feel consistent across both switches when the key is fully pressed down. This consistency is essential as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback experienced during typing. Though the top housings differ, the nylon bottom will ensure that both the BCP and Lunar Probe retain that characteristic fullness and muted sound signature at the point of actuation.
Aesthetic considerations further differentiate these two switches. The Gateron Lunar Probe’s clear polycarbonate top housing not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, elevating the visual aspect of the keyboard. Conversely, the BCP's nylon top housing lacks translucency, thus limiting its compatibility for lighting effects. Consequently, users seeking a striking visual experience may lean toward the Gateron Lunar Probe, while those who prioritize sound dampening and a deeper auditory experience may prefer the Kailh BCP. Ultimately, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing that cultivates a fuller sound experience, their differing top housing materials create distinct auditory styles and aesthetic outcomes.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP switch features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Lunar Probe is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This difference in weight can influence user preference: those who favor longer typing sessions or lighter keyboards may lean towards the Gateron Lunar Probe for its reduced actuation and bottom out forces, while users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback might prefer the Kailh BCP switch. Overall, if a user desires a light feel, the Lunar Probe is the better choice, whereas the BCP offers a heavier option for a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we find that the BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lunar Probe measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Kailh BCP the shorter of the two, with a difference of just 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize fast response times, the BCP may be more appealing due to its shorter travel, potentially offering a more immediate feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, those who prefer a deeper, more satisfying key press might gravitate towards the Lunar Probe, which offers a more extended travel distance. Overall, while both switches deliver similar tactile experiences, the slight variation in travel distance could impact user preference based on their individual typing or gaming styles.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 Kailh BCP switch is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that adds an audible enjoyment to the typing experience. This distinctive sound, reminiscent of the iconic Black Cherry Pies, enhances the tactile feedback when pressed, making it an engaging choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer a much subtler sound signature, allowing for an extremely smooth typing experience with less pronounced acoustics. This means that while the BCP may suit those who enjoy a more dynamic aural experience, the Lunar Probe caters to users seeking a quieter environment conducive to focused work.
Regarding feel, the Kailh BCP switch presents a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that makes each keystroke feel both lively and satisfying. This unique tactile response can lead to a delightful typing experience, especially for those who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe is known for its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, which provides a seamless keypress without any tactile bumps. This smoothness can be appealing to those who prefer an uninterrupted, linear typing experience that is less about tactile feedback and more about fluidity in motion.
In conclusion, the Kailh BCP and Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer unique experiences shaped by their sound and feel characteristics. While the BCP provides a lively auditory feedback with a bouncy feel, the Lunar Probe emphasizes smoothness with a subtler acoustic presence. Depending on your personal preferences—whether you favor a more dynamic typing experience with distinct feedback or a quieter, smoother approach—you can expect to find satisfaction in either switch. Ultimately, trying both types can help you determine which one aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, the decision between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in force, sound, and typing feel. If you appreciate a medium-heavy switch with a more tactile and expressive output, you may find the Kailh BCP particularly satisfying. Its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with a creamy, bouncy feel, makes it a joy to type on, especially if you like a bit more resistance when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, smoother typing experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe may be your ideal choice. With its 50 grams of bottom-out force and a subtly sound signature, it provides a consistently smooth experience thanks to its dual rail mechanism. This is especially advantageous for gamers or typists who prefer a quick, effortless keystroke. Ultimately, choose the Kailh BCP when you want something more tactile and resonant, while the Gateron Lunar Probe is perfect for those who prioritize an ultra-smooth, lighter action.
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