Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Milk Blue stand out for their unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, creamy feel, providing a viscous and elastic typing experience that is free from the disassembly hassles often associated with traditional switches. Its signature poppy and clacky sound adds a playful auditory element to typing, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile sensation without the interruption of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch, renowned for its sharp, audible clicks that elevate the typing experience with satisfying feedback for each keystroke, making it an attractive choice for typists who relish a more pronounced indication of their input. While the BCP may be favored by those seeking a serene yet responsive feel, the Milk Blue is ideal for users who thrive on the sonic cues of their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Kailh BCP and the Outemu Milk Blue switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The BCP features a nylon top housing, known for its softer nature. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when the keys are typed on. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This harder plastic produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that adds clarity and resonance. Therefore, while both switches may offer satisfying tactile experiences, the auditory characteristics resulting from the different top housing materials create distinctly unique sound profiles when typing.
While the top housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Outemu Milk Blue differ, their bottom housings share a common trait: both are made of nylon. This similarity means that when you press the keys, you will encounter a deeper and more rounded sound profile due to the soft nylon material used in the bottom housing. Both switches will exhibit muted sounds during the bottom-out action, making the typing experience pleasant and forgiving. Consequently, although the top housings provide contrasting audio characteristics, the uniform nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive play in the overall sound profile during the activation of the switches.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Kailh BCP and Outemu Milk Blue switches represents a blend of auditory qualities. The stiffness of the polycarbonate in the Milk Blue's top housing introduces a lively and clear sound when releasing keys, while the nylon top housing of the BCP produces a more subdued sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that a rounded, muted sound is preserved during bottoming out. In this way, both switches can achieve satisfying yet distinct auditory experiences based on their housing material configurations, making them appealing choices for different preferences in typist sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it's evident that there are differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown. The BCP switch requires an actuation force of 52 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 50 grams required by the Milk Blue. Consequently, the BCP switch can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a heavier feel, while the Milk Blue, being lighter, may offer a more comfortable option for extended use. The bottom out force for the BCP is 63.5 grams, indicating that it also requires more resistance when pressing the key all the way down compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Milk Blue. Ultimately, those who appreciate a stronger push should lean towards the Kailh BCP, while those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing and gaming sessions might opt for the Outemu Milk Blue, assuming a suitable bottom out force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that, for users who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing down on a key, the BCP would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Milk Blue offers a more traditional travel distance that may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: gamers might lean toward the BCP, while typists who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke may favor the Milk Blue.
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 Milk Blue 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the BCP is known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, which adds a lively dimension to every keystroke. The auditory feedback it provides can enhance the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a more expressive sound while typing. On the other hand, the specific sound characteristics of the Milk Blue switch remain undocumented, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this regard. However, it’s important to remember that sound can also depend significantly on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used with each switch, which means that you'll have to experiment to uncover the unique acoustic signatures they can produce in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that contributes to an engaging tactile experience. This switch is designed to replicate the iconic feel of the Black Cherry Pies, providing a satisfying typing experience that many users find appealing. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is not provided in the available information, making it challenging to evaluate how it compares to the smooth and dynamic touch of the BCP. For those looking for a particular feel, it's crucial to test the Milk Blue in person, as tactile sensations are largely subjective and can vary significantly from user to user.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its distinct sound and engaging tactile feedback, details about the Outemu Milk Blue switch remain elusive, particularly regarding its auditory and tactile qualities. If sound and feel are similar, you can expect comparable typing experiences, but the specific characteristics of each switch will likely lead to differing preferences among users. Ultimately, personal experimentation will guide each newcomer in choosing which switch best suits their style and typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you value a smoother, bouncier feel with a tactile response, the Kailh BCP with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams might be more suitable for you. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a creamy and elastic keypress coupled with a poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming your workspace. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback that's characteristic of clicky switches, the Outemu Milk Blue might be the better choice. Its clicky nature provides a satisfying auditory confirmation with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who thrive on that traditional tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a balanced and smooth typing experience or a loud, clicky interaction, so consider what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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