Kailh BCP vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between different tactile experiences, each tailored to specific preferences. The Kailh BCP, renowned for its innovative design, takes the classic Cherry Pie switch and puts a modern spin on it, offering a uniquely creamy, elastic, and bouncy typing experience. Its signature poppy and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element that some typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings a revitalizing approach to the clicky switch genre, combining smooth factory lubing with dual-railed stems to deliver a buttery, resonant feel that still retains the invigorating click and tactile feedback that clicky fans crave. Both switches cater to different typing experiences: the BCP for those seeking a smooth yet lively feel and sound, and the Melodic for those who relish the classic clicky sound without sacrificing smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 Melodic switches, a significant difference lies in their top housing materials. The BCP features a nylon top housing, while the Melodic is crafted from polycarbonate. Nylon, as a softer plastic, has a notable ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer material contributes to a rounder acoustic experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Melodic’s top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer nature enhances resonance, creating a clearer sound that is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience. This distinction in top housing materials greatly influences the typing experience for users, setting the two switches apart.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the BCP and the Melodic utilize nylon, which further aligns their acoustic characteristics. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing, which plays a crucial role during the bottom-out phase of a keystroke. Given that the acoustic quality of the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the feel and sound when the key is fully pressed, BCP and Melodic users will likely experience a similar auditory feedback during this phase. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing reinforces a rounded sound quality, making both switches appealing to those who appreciate a smooth keystroke experience devoid of harshness.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials alongside identical bottom housings leads to a unique but complementary sound profile for each switch type. While the BCP’s nylon top produces a softer and more muted audio response, the Melodic's polycarbonate top offers a bright and sharp auditory experience, especially beneficial in RGB-lit setups. Typing on the BCP will yield a deeper, rounded sound as the user engages the switch, while releasing will result in a softer sound due to the nylon top. In contrast, the Melodic will create a crisp impact upon bottoming out and a pronounced resonance upon release, making it an excellent choice for those who value sharper acoustics. By understanding the nuances in material composition, users can select a switch that aligns with their typing preferences while still experiencing a bit of the commonality found in the nylon-bottomed housings.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are notable 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, indicating that it has a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium. Given this information, while the bottom out forces are similar, the BCP is clearly the heavier switch overall, as it requires more force to both actuate and bottom out when compared to the Melodic's known bottom out force. As a result, typists who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the BCP more appealing, whereas those who favor lighter switches for extended use might lean towards the Melodic, especially considering its potentially lighter actuation force. Overall, these differences can guide users in selecting a switch that best fits their typing or gaming preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the BCP offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For those who favor a more responsive experience, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses that can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, as the longer travel can provide more tactile feedback. This difference highlights the individual preferences users have toward switch responses, with the BCP being ideal for gamers seeking speed and the Melodic catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced key action.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 linear switch produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, giving it a lively auditory presence while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch presents a resonant sound, characterized by a clean and sharp pitch, combined with a crunchy texture reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This creates a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience that clicks as you type. Though both switches have distinctive sound qualities, the BCP leans toward a more playful, clacky noise, while the Melodic offers a crisp, defined click, appealing to those who enjoy audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP is renowned for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, making the typing experience delightful and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic is designed to be buttery smooth with a seamless keystroke experience, while also providing invigorating tactile feedback. This combination of fluidity and pronounced feedback makes the Melodic feel snappy and responsive during typing. Although the BCP offers a unique bouncy feel, the Melodic excels in delivering a smooth and immersive typing sensation, ensuring both switches cater to different preferences within the typing community.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The BCP is playful and bouncy with a lively sound profile, while the Melodic combines smoothness with pronounced feedback and a crisp clicky sound. Ultimately, users may find satisfying results with either switch, so choosing between them will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile experience. Whether you lean toward the BCP's engaging character or the Melodic's classic clicky appeal, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a medium-heavy switch that offers a smooth, bouncy, and engaging typing experience, the BCP would be an excellent choice for you. Its tactile response and poppy sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a lively keyboard without the distraction of a clicky feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a classic clicky auditory experience alongside a smooth keystroke, the Gateron Melodic is the go-to option. With its resonant and crunchy sound combined with a buttery feel, this switch delivers not only satisfying feedback but also ensures a fluid typing motion that many find invigorating. Ultimately, consider your working environment, whether you value sound feedback, and your typing habits to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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