Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Dustproof Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a plethora of options, particularly when comparing the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Dustproof Red, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative design, reimagining the classic Black Cherry Pie switch with custom-molded components that eliminate the hassle of disassembly. Its creamy, viscous feel provides an elastic and bouncy typing experience, complemented by a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red is tailored for users seeking durability and longevity, making it an ideal option in dusty environments, although it lacks the unique sound profile that distinguishes the Kailh BCP. While both switches offer smooth keystrokes, the BCP appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a unique tactile experience, whereas the Dustproof Red is built for resilience and reliability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Dustproof Red, notable differences emerge between their top housings. The Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound and results in a tone that is rounder and more muted. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for a clearer, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Consequently, typing on the Outemu switches produces a more resonant sound, especially when illuminated by RGB lighting, which is enhanced by the material's translucency.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a similarity that influences their overall sound and feel. Both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Dustproof Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings, allowing for a consistent and similar auditory experience at the bottom-out point of the keypress. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s sound absorption properties. By having the same bottom housing material, both switches ensure that the qualities of the upper and lower housings blend harmoniously. Thus, despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches will likely exhibit a similar feeling and sound at the bottom of the keypress.

The combination of different materials in each switch presents a unique blend of auditory qualities. While the Kailh BCP merges a soft nylon top with a nylon bottom for a more muted experience, the Outemu Dustproof Red contrasts with a sharp, crisp top made from polycarbonate while maintaining the same nylon bottom. Consequently, the typing experience diverges depending on the press and release of each switch: the BCP offers a warm, subdued response, whereas the Dustproof Red delivers clarity and brightness when you release the key. Ultimately, despite their disparate top housing materials, both switches leverage their nylon bottom housings to ensure a richness in sound that stands out during typing sessions.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The BCP switch features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Dustproof Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. This lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Red makes it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. Conversely, the Kailh BCP's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users looking for a lightweight experience would likely favor the Outemu Dustproof Red, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel would be inclined towards the Kailh BCP.

Travel distance

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, the travel distances highlight some key differences that may influence user preference. The Kailh BCP switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the BCP switch the shorter option, catering to those who favor a quicker response time characteristic of its more compact design. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience and deeper key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key depth, with the Kailh BCP providing a snappier feel and the Outemu Dustproof Red offering a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP switches produce a unique, signature poppy and clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This engaging sound can give a more satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it enjoyable for typists who value acoustic feedback. The Outemu Dustproof Red switches, on the other hand, do not have a specific sound description available. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can vary greatly depending on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so actual performance may differ.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP switches are characterized by their creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, providing a tactile delight that many users find appealing. This unique feel can enhance the typing experience, making it both responsive and comfortable. The Outemu Dustproof Red switches lack a detailed feel characterization, leaving uncertainty regarding their tactile performance.

In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP switches excel in both sound and feel by offering a distinctive auditory feedback and a unique bouncy sensation, the Outemu Dustproof Red switches do not have enough available information to make a direct comparison. If you're looking for an engaging typing experience marked by an enjoyable sound and a satisfying feel, the BCP standard could serve you well. For the Outemu Dustproof Red, explore reviews and user experiences to better understand their performance, as results can vary based on individual preference and setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding key feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile experience, the Kailh BCP might be the ideal choice for you. Its creamy, elastic response paired with a satisfying poppy sound can elevate your typing experience, making it well-suited for both gaming and typing tasks where you want a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a straightforward linear feel, the Outemu Dustproof Red, with its medium bottom out force, could be the right fit. While it may not have the same level of fanfare or distinctive qualities as the BCP, its dependable performance and dustproof feature make it practical for a variety of settings, especially if you're seeking a more subdued sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and sound preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is both enjoyable and tailored to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more