Kailh BCP vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the distinctive Kailh BCP and the popular Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP takes a bold approach by reinterpreting the classic Black Cherry Pie design, offering a unique typing experience characterized by its creamy, elastic feel and a signature poppy, clacky sound profile. This makes it an exciting choice for those who revel in tactile feedback and auditory cues while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the smoothness and slightly heftier feel of its predecessor, the MX Red, but with a significant advantage: it operates quietly. This feature is particularly appealing for users in noise-sensitive environments, as it manages to deliver a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them depending on your individual needs and typing environment; 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
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
Both the Kailh BCP and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in many shared acoustic characteristics. The nylon material used in both switches produces a rich piano-like sound profile due to its inherent density and softness. When typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound because the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption is key in creating a duller and rounder sound that is appealing to those who prefer a more muted typing experience. This commonality in housing material suggests that both switches will deliver similar auditory results, with the nylon contributing to a subdued yet pleasant acoustic environment in both cases.
In spite of the shared housing material, nuances in the switches' design and construction can still lead to slight variations in performance. The Kailh BCP may have different internal mechanisms or spring tensions compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, which could influence the tactile feedback or the force required to actuate the switch. These differences may lead to a variance in feel, even if the acoustic results remain largely the same due to the use of nylon. Both are designed to cater to typists and gamers looking for quieter options, but the individual experience may still differ based on each manufacturer's specific engineering choices.
Overall, while both the Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Silent Red benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their housings, the actual typing experience will likely be shaped not just by the material, but also by other design considerations. Users can expect similar sound profiles thanks to the nylon's sound dampening qualities, but they might notice distinct variations in the tactile feel and overall key response due to the differing constructions of the switches. Thus, even though the materials are alike, the full typing experience will be a blend of material properties and design elements unique to each switch.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with its bottom out force remaining unknown. This means that users preferring a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the MX Silent Red more comfortable, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the BCP's higher actuation and bottom out forces cater to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, while the Kailh BCP offers a stronger push that can provide satisfying feedback, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed for ease of use with its lighter actuation. Overall, for users who seek a heavy switch, the Kailh BCP would be the preferred choice, while lighter switch enthusiasts would likely favor the Cherry MX Silent Red, despite lacking bottom out force data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm positions the BCP as the more responsive option, making it particularly appealing for gamers who favor quicker key actuation for faster response times. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that could be preferred by those who appreciate a deeper key press. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Kailh BCP is the shorter travel option, ultimately resulting in a quicker actuation, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a longer, potentially more satisfying experience for some users.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 stands out with its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively auditory experience during typing. This makes it more engaging for users who enjoy the traditional mechanical keyboard sounds. In stark contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch delivers a significantly quieter performance, reflecting its design for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent Red is characterized by a muted, thocky sound that results in a deep, satisfying thud rather than the more pronounced sounds typical of standard switches. This difference makes the BCP preferable for users who enjoy a more dynamic sound, while the Silent Red caters to those who require discretion in their typing.
When evaluating the feel, the Kailh BCP provides a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, optimizing the typing experience with a refreshing tactile quality. Users can expect a lively feedback as each key engages, enhancing the overall interaction with the keyboard. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its slightly heftier feel paired with a textured experience, introducing noticeable friction during key presses. This may appeal to users who appreciate some level of tactile feedback in their switches, though it lacks the same elasticity found in the BCP, leading to different typing experiences for the two switches.
In summary, the Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinctly different auditory and tactile characteristics. The BCP is favored for its engaging and energetic sound, along with its lively feel, while the Silent Red excels in quieter operation and a different textured typing experience. Selecting between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; users who value a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience may lean towards the BCP, whereas those requiring a quieter, more subdued typing environment might find the Silent Red more suitable.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red largely depends on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a more tactile and lively typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, the Kailh BCP is a solid choice, particularly for those who appreciate the extra feedback and bounciness it provides. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams may also appeal to users who like a bit more resistance while typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared or noise-sensitive environment where quiet operation is a priority, the Cherry MX Silent Red is definitely the better option. It offers a satisfying weighted experience similar to the traditional MX Red but operates with significantly reduced noise levels. This switch’s muted, thocky sound ensures that you can type without disturbing others while maintaining an enjoyable feel. Ultimately, this decision hinges on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback with the Kailh BCP or a hushed experience with the Cherry MX Silent Red.
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