Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Black. The Kailh BCP stands out for its innovative design, drawing inspiration from the beloved Black Cherry Pies (BCPs) while eliminating the complexities of disassembly. This switch provides a unique typing experience characterized by a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy feel, along with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Black offers a more straightforward linear experience, known for its consistency and reliable tactile feedback, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a smooth keystroke without the distraction of noise. Both switches have their merits, with the Kailh BCP catering to users who appreciate a lively typing experience and the Outemu Black appealing to those seeking simplicity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Outemu Black Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Black switches, the materials used for their top housings reveal a stark contrast in sound profile and aesthetic appearance. The BCP features a nylon top housing, which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted and rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity. This stiffer material creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, providing a more resonant typing experience. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances visual effects, particularly for setups utilizing RGB lighting, making the Outemu Black particularly attractive to those seeking vibrant lighting.

Both the Kailh BCP and Outemu Black switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a common ground in their construction. The use of nylon in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottomed out, as the softer plastic effectively dampens sound waves to produce a rich auditory experience. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings means that both switches share a similar tactile experience, with both feeling satisfying when fully pressed down. Therefore, while they differ in their top housing materials, the nylon composition of the bottom housing plays a significant role in producing comparable key feel and sound characteristics on actuation.

In a holistic analysis of these switches, we see how the different materials in each switch's construction influence overall sound and typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Kailh BCP delivers a subdued sound profile that emphasizes deeper tones, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black offers a contrasting, brighter tone. However, both switches share a unifying characteristic through their nylon bottom housings, thus creating a distinct balance. This hybrid nature means that even as the switches diverge in their tonal output due to the differing top materials, they maintain similar acoustic qualities when pressed down, highlighting the importance of housing materials in crafting the tactile and auditory experiences of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, a notable difference exists in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP switch features a lighter actuation force of 52 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Outemu Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. As such, users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Kailh BCP to be more comfortable, enabling easier keystrokes with less fatigue. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Outemu Black, which offers a stronger resistance that can enhance the typing experience for those who favor a firmer push. In summary, the BCP is the lighter option, while the Outemu Black is the heavier choice, catering to distinct preferences in keyboard feel and performance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there's a clear distinction between the two. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Black offers a more traditional, deeper feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Kailh BCP, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate tactile experience. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Black may be preferred for a more deliberate keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which provides a delightful auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This sound characteristic is a result of its custom-molded design, which aims to replicate the iconic feel of Black Cherry Pies in a more accessible form. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch lacks specific sound qualities noted in its description, leaving some uncertainty regarding its acoustic performance. It's important to remember that the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used, so factors beyond the switches themselves can play a significant role in the final auditory experience.

When we consider the feel, the BCP switch is characterized by a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, which makes for a smooth and engaging typing experience. This unique tactile response is likely to enhance comfort and overall enjoyment during extended use. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch does not have a detailed description available for its feel, creating ambiguity regarding how it may compare to the BCP in terms of user experience. This lack of information means the Outemu Black may not deliver the same level of tactile delight associated with the Kailh BCP.

In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP linear switch offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience that many users find appealing, the Outemu Black switch leaves certain qualities unspecified, making it less predictable in performance. Those seeking a lively sound and a distinct feel may favor the BCP, while the Outemu Black may provide a more straightforward, albeit less characterized, linear switch experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that promises an engaging and unique feel paired with an enjoyable sound, the BCP is likely the better choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when you're deciding between Kailh BCP and Outemu Black linear switches, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and what you're aiming to achieve with your keyboard experience. If you favor a medium-heavy actuation and a typing experience that feels creamy, bouncy, and elastic, the Kailh BCP might be your ideal choice. It's particularly appealing for those who enjoy a uniquely tactile response coupled with a poppy and clacky sound, making it great for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier feel and want a switch that demands more force for actuation—providing you with a more deliberate typing experience—the Outemu Black would serve you well. This switch is excellent for users who prefer a sturdy and robust touch, though it lacks the distinctive auditory characteristics of the BCP. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a softer, more dynamic typing sensation or a more significant resistance that can enhance control during long typing sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more