Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Cream Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a crucial role, and two popular options that often land on users' radar are the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Cream Blue switches. The Kailh BCP switch stands out for its smooth linear action, delivering a creamy and bouncy tactile experience without the disruption of disassembly, which many typists appreciate for a seamless typing journey. Its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile adds a lively character to every keystroke, making it an enticing choice for anyone looking for performance without the tactile bump of traditional switches. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch caters to those who crave auditory feedback with its clicky design, providing a satisfying and pronounced click sound with each actuation, appealing to typists who enjoy the tactile confirmation that a clicky switch brings. While the Kailh BCP offers a fluid and quiet experience well-suited for undisturbed work environments, the Cream Blue’s clickiness can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate sound cues. 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

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Cream Blue utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which means that their attributes regarding sound profile and tactile feedback show significant similarities. Nylon is lauded for its softer consistency compared to harder plastics, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively. As a result, both switches are likely to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing, characterized by a duller and rounder auditory profile. This shared material choice contributes to a harmonious typing experience, as users can expect a similar acoustic feedback from both switches, enhancing the overall tactile pleasure of typing.

Since both the Kailh BCP and Outemu Cream Blue employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the interaction between these materials will yield comparable outcomes. Although the bottom housing often influences the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly, the characteristics of the top housing also play a crucial role when releasing keys. Given that both switches feature nylon throughout, the qualities associated with the material—such as its sound absorption capabilities—will remain consistent, creating a uniform auditory and tactile experience during use. Thus, users can anticipate that regardless of which switch they choose, they will appreciate a similar overall experience due to the uniform housing materials employed in both designs.

However, it is important to note that the unique engineering and design elements of each switch may still produce variations in keystroke feel and overall performance. While the material—nylon—provides common ground in sound profile, factors like switch design, actuation mechanism, and spring tension can still lead to differences in user experience. Therefore, although both the Kailh BCP and Outemu Cream Blue will likely provide a similar auditory experience because of their nylon construction, they may still deliver different tactile feedback and performance characteristics. This consideration is essential for users seeking a specific feel while typing, even when the materials remain constant.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can affect user experience. The Kailh BCP has an actuation force of 52 grams, slightly heavier than the Cream Blue's actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the BCP requires a bit more force to register a keystroke, potentially leading to a more substantial typing feel that some users may prefer. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the BCP has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Cream Blue has a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, so users looking for a robust typing experience might find both options appealing. Ultimately, the Outemu Cream Blue is the lighter option when it comes to actuation force, whereas the Kailh BCP has a marginally higher actuation weight, making it slightly heavier overall.

Travel distance

The Kailh BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the BCP travels less distance compared to the Cream Blue, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Cream Blue’s longer 4 mm travel distance provides more depth, which some users may find more satisfying or easier to control, especially for typing. While both switches are within a typical range, the Kailh BCP caters to those who favor shorter travel for rapid reactions, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue aligns with users who appreciate a more traditional and pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch delivers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that is both engaging and satisfying during use. This distinctive acoustic feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it enjoyable and upbeat. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have any specific sound characteristics listed, which leaves its auditory qualities somewhat unknown. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a mechanical switch can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy tactile sensation. This results in a smooth typing experience that many users find appealing. Meanwhile, the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue is also unspecified, which means we don’t have concrete information about its tactile feedback. The differences in feel may become a critical deciding factor for the user in the end, depending on their personal preferences.

In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP offers a clear advantage in terms of sound and feel with its defined poppy acoustics and pleasant tactile experience, the Outemu Cream Blue lacks specific details that could be useful for comparison. If you prefer a keyboard experience with consistent auditory feedback and a uniquely elastic feel, the Kailh BCP would likely serve you well. Without more information on the Cream Blue's characteristics, it may be challenging to determine how it stacks up. Ultimately, if you value a known quality in sound and sensation, the Kailh BCP stands out as a preferred choice in the realm of mechanical switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound, feedback, and typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth and elastic typing feel coupled with a more subdued and refined sound profile, the Kailh BCP is an excellent choice, as it delivers a creamy, bouncy experience without the clackiness associated with clicky switches. This makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or environments where you want to minimize noise, such as an office setting. On the other hand, if you thrive on auditory and tactile feedback that boosts your typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue is the way to go. With its clicky actuation and slightly higher bottom-out force, it provides a pronounced tactile response and a satisfying sound that many typists find nostalgic and enjoyable. Overall, consider your working environment, typing style, and sound tolerance when making your decision, as both switches cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard world.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more