Kailh BCP vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and Haimu Orange Sea stand out as two noteworthy linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The BCP is celebrated for reimagining the legendary Black Cherry Pies, offering a unique typing experience with its creamy, viscous, and elastic feel, along with a signature poppy and clacky sound. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and an engaging acoustic profile while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are known for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter and more understated approach. While both switches can enhance your typing experience, they cater to varying preferences in terms of feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Haimu Orange Sea, there's a notable distinction in the materials used for the top housing. The Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes significantly to a rounded sound profile, making the typing experience feel warmer and more muted. In contrast, the Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, more resonant sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate lends itself to a crisper typing experience, favoring a higher-pitched sound profile that many typists appreciate. This fundamental difference outlines how the sound and tactile feedback of each switch can appeal to varying user preferences.

Interestingly, both the Kailh BCP and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon for their bottom housing. The nylon in both switches results in a consistent, fuller sound profile during the bottoming out phase of a keypress. With both switches sharing this material for the lower portion, the impact of bottoming out will be largely similar, leading to a comparable auditory experience as you press down on the keys. Given that the bottom housing is more influential in how a key feels when pressed all the way down, this commonality in material helps ensure that users still experience a degree of familiarity regardless of the differing top housings.

As a result, even with the discrepancies in top housing materials — nylon for the BCP and polycarbonate for the Orange Sea — the overlapping use of nylon in the bottom housing allows users to achieve somewhat similar results in terms of sound profile at the point of bottoming out. Therefore, while the typing and auditory experiences may vary slightly due to the top housings, the tactile reinforcement provided by the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches still offer a satisfying keypress experience that many typists will find enjoyable. This interplay between the materials demonstrates how design choices in keyboard switches can be fine-tuned to cater to diverse preferences while still maintaining certain core characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh BCP switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a sturdier typing experience that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer effortless key presses, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is the lighter option, appealing to users who value a softer touch, whereas the Kailh BCP is the heavier choice for those who favor a more robust tactile sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the BCP measures at 3.5 mm, while the Orange Sea is slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the BCP provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Orange Sea, which offers a more pronounced depth with its longer 3.6 mm travel. For gamers who favor a quicker response time, the Kailh BCP may be the preferable choice due to its slightly more responsive feel. On the other hand, those who appreciate a fuller tactile experience might lean towards the Haimu Orange Sea, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial depth. Overall, the difference in travel distances may cater to varying user preferences based on desired responsiveness versus tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which gives it a lively auditory presence when typing. This contrasts with the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, which features a neutral sound signature. The BCP’s more pronounced sounds can enhance typing enjoyment for users who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Orange Sea’s smoother tones cater to those preferring a quieter environment. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the specific board and keycaps used with each switch.

When considering feel, the Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, providing a dynamic typing experience that engages users in a tactile manner. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is noted for its impeccably smooth typing feel. While the BCP offers a poppy sensation that can lead to an engaging, energetic typing rhythm, the Orange Sea promotes a consistently smooth experience that may appeal to users who prioritize fluidity over springiness.

Ultimately, both the Kailh BCP and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches provide distinct sensory experiences tailored to different preferences. The BCP's poppy sound and bouncy feel contrast with the Orange Sea’s neutral sound and smooth typing motion, allowing users to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences. Whether you lean towards the more dynamic characteristics of the BCP or the understated smoothness of the Orange Sea, each switch caters to a unique typing experience that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you favor a medium-heavy key press with a unique tactile feedback, the BCP switch is a solid pick. Its poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a creamy and bouncy feel, is perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience and don't mind a bit of acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer to keep things light and smooth, the Orange Sea's lower actuation force of 45 grams will be more to your liking. This switch provides a cozy typing experience with an impeccably smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where quick key presses are essential. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you prioritize—whether it's the tactile engagement and richer sound of the BCP or the effortless and quiet nature of the Orange Sea.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more