Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence the overall typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Blue switches. The Kailh BCP switch, known for its innovative design, offers a unique blend of creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics, creating a smooth linear feel with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch stands out with its distinct clicky feedback, providing an audible and tactile response that many typists find satisfying while enhancing their typing speed and accuracy. Whether you prefer the seamless flow of the Kailh BCP or the engaging clicky sound of the Outemu Blue, each has its own set of advantages tailored to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Outemu Blue Clicky

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh BCP and Outemu Blue switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to different acoustic profiles. The Kailh BCP employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. This difference in material suggests that users of the BCP will enjoy a more muted and rounded sound, while those using the Outemu Blue will experience a clearer and more resonant sound. Consequently, those who prioritize a softer acoustic feedback may lean towards the BCP, whereas gamers or typists seeking pronounced audio feedback might prefer the Outemu Blue.

Interestingly, both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Blue share the same material, nylon, for their bottom housings. This similarity in the bottom housing contributes to a universally deeper and more rounded sound in both switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, users will find that this aspect of both switches offers a consistent auditory signature. The nylon material in both switches ensures that the experiences related to key feedback during typographical engagements remain similar. Therefore, even with the contrasting top housing materials, the overall typing experience is unified in terms of the smooth, deeper tonal quality imparted by the nylon bottom.

In summation, while the Kailh BCP and Outemu Blue switches diverge in their top housing materials—nylon for BCP and polycarbonate for Blue—their nylon bottom housings create a harmonious thread of acoustic experience between the two models. The bottom housing material introduces a level of consistency, allowing users to enjoy a fuller sound across both switches during key presses. This interplay between contrasting top housing materials and a uniform bottom housing material demonstrates how the auditory characteristics are balanced and shaped. Therefore, despite their differences, users can still expect a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, with keying sounds that emphasize either deep, rich tones or sharp, clear pitches, based on which switch is chosen.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which makes it a medium-heavy switch, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in that regard. Given that the BCP's actuation force is heavier than the Outemu Blue's, users seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Outemu Blue more appealing, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke should gravitate towards the Kailh BCP. Overall, the BCP's clearly defined actuation and bottom out forces provide a more predictable typing experience, whereas the lack of bottom out data for the Blue suggests uncertainty in its overall feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the differences are notable. The Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Blue, which boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the BCP may appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times, particularly for gaming, while the longer travel distance of the Blue might cater to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback and a pronounced depth. In essence, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Kailh BCP is the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Blue may be better suited for those who enjoy a richer keypress experience associated with longer travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch delivers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback to every keystroke. This sound can be quite pleasant for users who appreciate an audible cue when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch, while not explicitly described in the provided information, is generally known for its pronounced clicky sound. This means that users of the Blue switch can expect a distinct and sharp auditory feedback, typical of clicky switches, which many typists find satisfying and encouraging. However, it’s important to remember that the final sound quality will also depend on factors like the keyboard design and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch is characterized by its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, which contributes to a unique typing experience that many find enjoyable over long typing sessions. This smooth and responsive tactile feedback is a hallmark of Kailh's reimagined design. Meanwhile, the Outemu Blue switch, though not described, is typically renowned for its tactile bump, which gives a defined feel at the actuation point. This tactile feedback, combined with the click sound, makes it a favorite among typists who want a more engaged typing experience. For those who prioritize a softer yet responsive touch, the BCP will likely provide a contrasting experience to the more pronounced feedback of the Blue.

In summary, the Kailh BCP linear switch is well-regarded for its engaging sound and smooth feel, whereas the Outemu Blue is recognized for its clicky sound and tactile bump, making each switch appealing for different reasons. Users who enjoy a more subdued yet smooth experience may lean towards the BCP, while those who thrive on auditory and tactile feedback will likely prefer the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, allowing newcomers to mechanical keyboards to choose based on their individual typing styles and sound preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and controlled keystroke experience, the BCP might be the better choice for you, particularly if you enjoy a responsive and lightly bouncy feel when typing or gaming. This switch’s medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides just the right amount of resistance, making it suitable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a distinct auditory response, the Outemu Blue switch is designed to deliver that classic clicky experience. It’s well-suited for users who enjoy that satisfying sound while typing, which can enhance the overall tactile experience, especially for typists or those who thrive on the rhythm of their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard as well; if you need a quieter experience for shared spaces, the linear BCP is the way to go, while the Outemu Blue might be more appropriate for personal use where the sound can be appreciated.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

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Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more