Kailh BCP vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and Gateron Mars offer distinct characteristics that cater to unique user preferences. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, and elastic feel, along with a notable signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory response during typing. Its design eliminates the hassle of disassembly, making it user-friendly for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches introduce innovation with their unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, providing durability and consistency in keypresses. Catering to users looking for reliable performance without compromising on feel, the Mars offers a smooth linear experience. Both switches have their advantages, appealing to different typing styles and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and Gateron Mars switches both utilize nylon for their top housing, which plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile during typing. The nylon material is known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Typing on these switches elicits a sound that is noticeably rounder and more muted compared to switches made from harder plastics. As such, users can expect a similarly enriching auditory experience from both switches when pressing down and releasing the keys due to the shared characteristics of their top housings.
However, the differences emerge in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Kailh BCP features a nylon bottom housing, which, like the top, provides that signature warmth and depth to the sound profile. Conversely, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM for its bottom housing. POM is renowned for its ability to create a unique sound that is also on the deeper side, but it does so with a distinct muted quality. This variation in material means that while both switches deliver a satisfying sound experience, the BCP will likely feel and sound a bit more cohesive, while the Mars will offer a different texture and auditory sensation during key presses because of the POM bottom housing.
When considering the experience of bottoming out, the differences in the bottom housing materials become especially important. The Kailh BCP’s nylon bottom will provide a more consistent sensation throughout the press, maintaining the deeper sound quality characteristic of the nylon throughout the stroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars, with its POM bottom, will create a notable divergence in sound and feel at the bottom of the switch. This means that even though the two switches have similar top housing that ensures a consistent upper sound, the overall typing experience will be distinct due to the contrasting properties of their bottom housings. Users can choose based on their preference for a more uniform sound experience with the BCP or a unique auditory quality with the Mars.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The BCP features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unspecified, which leaves a gap in understanding its full performance characteristics. Based on the available data, those seeking a lighter switch would gravitate toward the Mars, while those who prefer a heavier feel might opt for the BCP. Thus, if users prioritize lighter actuation, the Mars is a better choice, while the Kailh BCP offers a more robust experience with its higher forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option by just 0.1 mm. The difference in travel distance, though minor, can have implications for user experience. Gamers often lean towards the BCP for its shorter travel, as it may provide quicker actuation and improved responsiveness during fast-paced gameplay. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may find the Gateron Mars more appealing due to its longer travel distance, which offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, adding a distinct auditory character to each keystroke that many users find satisfying. This engaging sound can enhance the overall typing experience, especially in environments where feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches may have a different sound quality, influenced by their unique POK stem and housing materials. However, specific sound characteristics of the Mars switch are not detailed, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound produced by any mechanical switch can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation during typing. This tactile feedback provides a lively experience, allowing users to enjoy a dynamic interaction with their keyboard. The Gateron Mars switch, while lacking a detailed description of its feel, features a unique design that suggests it may deliver a distinctive typing experience as well. However, without specific information on the tactile or linear characteristics of the Mars switch, a precise comparison can't be made.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP provides an exciting auditory experience coupled with a delightful tactile feel, the Gateron Mars switches introduce an innovative design that may offer its own unique qualities. However, the exact sound and feel of the Mars remain unspecified. Ultimately, for those seeking sound and tactile pleasure, the BCP may be the more appealing option, but both switches could yield satisfying results depending on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a typing feel that is creamy, viscous, and bouncy, the Kailh BCP would be a suitable choice for you. Its signature poppy and clacky sound adds an engaging auditory experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate both feedback and noise while typing. On the other hand, if you’re looking for innovative design elements and a potentially different tactile response thanks to the POK stem and Nylon-POM blend housing, you might lean toward the Gateron Mars switches, particularly if you prioritize a keyboard that feels unique and stands out in terms of construction, even though details on its bottom-out force are currently unavailable. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and what aspects you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
