Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Brown offer distinctly different experiences tailored to various user preferences. The Kailh BCP is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keypress, providing a creamy, viscous feel that many typists and gamers enjoy. Its custom-molded design eliminates the hassle of disassembly, allowing for a seamless typing experience marked by a fun, poppy sound profile that’s both clacky and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering feedback that can enhance typing precision and prevent accidental key presses. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more methodical approach to typing or gaming. Each switch has its merits: the BCP’s fluidity is great for rapid key presses, while the tactile feedback of the Brown can help facilitate accuracy during long writing sessions. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh BCP and Outemu Brown switches, the differences in their top housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The BCP utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer plastic nature, allowing it to absorb vibrations effectively and create a more subdued sound when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, making it more resonant and articulated. Thus, while both switches might feel similar under the fingers, their acoustic characteristics diverge substantially based on the materials employed in their top housings.
In addition to their differing top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency means that regardless of the discrepancies in the top materials, the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile of both switches by providing a deeper and rounder acoustic experience. As nylon is traditionally valued for its sound absorption properties, both switches will deliver a similarly rich sound when pressing down on the keys. This shared characteristic ensures that even with the contrasting top housings, users will benefit from the muted, fuller sounds that nylon provides in the lower portion of both switches.
Ultimately, the acoustic results produced by the Kailh BCP and Outemu Brown switches will be shaped by their combination of top and bottom housing materials. The BCP's nylon top housing fosters a round and subdued sound when keys are released, whereas the Outemu Brown's polycarbonate top housing results in a more pronounced sound signature. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches harmonizes their performances by imparting a consistent, deeper sound layer. Therefore, when assessing these two switch options, prospective users can expect to encounter notable auditory differences, particularly when typing compared to activating the switches, all while enjoying a similar acoustic foundation thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, both exhibit a medium-heavy typing experience, though with subtle differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh BCP requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Outemu Brown, which has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while both switches are quite similar in their actuation and bottom out forces, the BCP offers a marginally lighter feel, allowing for slightly less effort when typing. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may prefer the BCP, whereas those who appreciate a heavier push may find the Outemu Brown to provide a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, although both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, the Kailh BCP is the lighter option between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, a notable difference arises. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Outemu Brown has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker responses and a more immediate tactile experience, which is often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, which some users find more satisfying and less abrupt. If one prefers a balance between responsiveness and a more deliberate keystroke, the Outemu Brown would be the better choice due to its additional millimeter of travel.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which makes it quite engaging and can add a delightful acoustic element to typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its more subdued sound, providing a gentle bump in feedback without a particularly loud noise. While the BCP's sound can be perceived as more lively and pronounced, the Brown offers a quieter alternative that may suit environments where noise is a concern. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP offers a unique typing experience with its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristic, providing a responsive and pleasurable sensation under the fingers. Its custom-molded design enhances this experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying and dynamic. Conversely, while the Outemu Brown is noted for being tactile, specific descriptive qualities about its feel are not provided. Generally, tactile switches like the Brown are designed to provide feedback through a noticeable bump when a key is pressed, which can enhance typing accuracy. The differences in tactile feedback between the BCP and Brown will likely lead to different user experiences, with the BCP leaning toward a more luxurious feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch present different auditory and tactile experiences for users. The BCP provides a poppy and clacky sound along with a creamy, bouncy feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy responsive and lively switches. In contrast, while the manifestation of the Brown's sound profile is more muted and its specific tactile qualities are undefined, it will likely offer a different type of feedback that can appeal to those looking for a quieter, yet still rewarding typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, so understanding these characteristics can help newcomers make an informed choice based on their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh BCP linear switches and Outemu Brown tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you are a typist or gamer who enjoys a smooth, linear actuation with a unique elastic and bouncy feel, the Kailh BCP switches would be an excellent choice. They provide a satisfying tactile experience complemented by a poppy and clacky sound that can make typing more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback while typing, the Outemu Brown switches may be better suited for you. They offer a subtle bump at the actuation point, which can enhance your typing accuracy and provide a more traditional switch experience without the loudness. Both switches have a similar bottom-out force, so the deciding factor will be whether you gravitate towards a linear feel or a tactile one. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your style of typing or gaming, and the kind of auditory experience you find most satisfying.
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