Kailh BCP vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between unique options, each offering distinct characteristics and experiences. The Kailh BCP switch stands out with its linear design, which provides a creamy, viscous feel and a delightful, bouncy typing experience. This switch is celebrated for its poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a fun choice for users who value auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch features a Hall Effect design that delivers a bright and clacky sound, specifically designed for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While the Magnetic Jade offers a superior typing experience with improved acoustics, its technology may appeal more to users who appreciate advanced switch mechanisms. Ultimately, both switches provide unique advantages depending on your preferences; 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
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a significant distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The BCP features a nylon top housing, which is favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s relatively softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Thus, switches with nylon housings tend to create a warmer audio experience, resulting in a duller, rounder sound that many users find appealing. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, producing a higher-pitched sound. As a result, users looking for a bright and clear typing experience might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade.
However, when considering the bottom housings, both the Kailh BCP and Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize nylon. This shared material leads to comparable sound characteristics in terms of the typing experience. As nylon is a timeless choice for switch housings, both switches deliver that deeper and fuller sound on key bottoming out, thereby ensuring that the overall auditory experience retains a smooth and consistent feel. Even though the top housing differences might create varied sound profiles when releasing keys, the mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a common tonal base, producing a rounded sound quality at the bottom-out point for both switches.
The interaction between the differing top and same bottom housing materials showcases the nuanced sound and feel of each switch. For instance, when a user presses down on either the Kailh BCP or Gateron Magnetic Jade, they will notice that both switches share similar qualities in terms of sound depth due to their nylon bottom housing. However, the experience upon releasing a key will differ, with the BCP providing a softer acoustic transition thanks to its nylon top, while the Magnetic Jade offers a bright, lively response because of its polycarbonate top. Consequently, the BCP and Magnetic Jade may cater to different preferences among users, with the former appealing to those who enjoy a warmer sound, and the latter satisfying those who favor a crisper auditory experience while still delivering a homogeneous feel thanks to their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh BCP requires an actuation force of 52 grams and bottoms out at 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Magnetic Jade more comfortable, while those who enjoy a heavier, more substantial feel may gravitate toward the BCP for its increased actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on an individual's preference for typing experience and the intensity of key presses required for their tasks.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this regard. As a result, users will experience a similar keypress feel when using either switch, as both switches require the same amount of downward movement to register a keystroke. This similarity in travel distance can lead to a consistent typing experience, regardless of which switch is chosen. Therefore, those seeking uniform performance in their keyboard setups will find both options equally appealing in terms of travel distance.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 linear switch delivers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile experience of typing. This acoustic feedback is notably engaging, making it appealing for users who enjoy an audible response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also offers a bright and clacky sound, which complements its design aimed at improving the overall typing experience. Both switches produce a similarly cheerful and resonant auditory output that adds character to any keyboard setup; however, individual preferences in sound can still be influenced by the choice of the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP switch stands out with its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics, creating an enjoyable tactile sensation during typing. This unique interaction lets users experience a smooth transition between strokes with an exciting return action. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is renowned for its superior typing experience, aligning with the perception of a smooth and responsive feel typical of high-quality switches. While specific tactile feedback can vary, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches differ in branding and design, they share notable similarities in sound and feel that appeal to typists seeking an enjoyable experience. Both switches provide a clacky sound signature and a satisfying tactile response, ensuring that users can appreciate lively acoustics and engaging interactions. Whether you prefer the Kailh or Gateron variant, each offers a unique flavor that enhances your typing experience, giving you the flexibility to choose based on personal preference while still achieving similar results in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation with a unique tactile experience, the BCP’s creamy and elastic feel, combined with its poppy and clacky sound, may be more aligned with your needs. This switch offers a satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more weighted keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a quick response, the Magnetic Jade’s medium-light actuation provides an effortless typing experience, ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions. The bright and clacky sound profile also contributes to an engaging auditory experience that enhances your overall keyboard usage. Therefore, consider how you use your keyboard: for heavier, deliberate typing with a satisfying sound, go for the Kailh BCP; for a faster, more fluid performance with pleasant acoustics, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the way to go.
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