Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Ocean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Ocean present distinct options tailored to different user preferences. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth and consistent keypresses, appealing to those who favor a fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions. Its innovative design eliminates the hassle of disassembly while delivering a delightful poppy and clacky sound, enhancing the sensory feedback for typists. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch offers a tactile experience that users may prefer for its noticeable feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy an audible and physical response with each keystroke. While the BCP may be favored by gamers and those who appreciate speed and smoothness, the Ocean could attract writers and coders who benefit from its tactile nature for improved accuracy. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh BCP and the Outemu Ocean switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The BCP utilizes nylon for its top housing, offering a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a more subdued and rounder tone when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean employs polycarbonate for its top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more defined sound. The aesthetic qualities of the polycarbonate, typically featuring a clear housing, also make it appealing for those incorporating RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Ocean utilize nylon, maintaining a consistent characteristic that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile at the actuation point. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by absorbing sound and providing a duller tone, complementing the auditory signature established by the nylon top housing on the BCP. Because the bottom of the switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the shared nylon material creates an element of continuity in the typing experience between the two switch types despite their differing top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials for the top housing results in unique sound profiles for each switch, while the shared nylon bottom housing promotes a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out. The Kailh BCP delivers a cohesive, rounded sound due to the use of nylon in both the top and bottom, while the Outemu Ocean offers a sharper contrast with its polycarbonate top. The overall sound and feel of a switch can greatly differ based on its material composition; however, in this case, the characteristics of the nylon in the bottom housing enable a useful balance, ensuring that both switches present qualities that can cater to a range of user preferences in typing sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the actuation force plays a significant role in the typing experience. The BCP has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams, while the Ocean requires 55 grams, making the BCP the better option for those who prefer a lighter feel that may allow for longer typing sessions. However, the BCP also features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which adds a firmer resistance when fully depressed. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean does not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to fully assess how it compares to the Kailh BCP in that regard. If a user prefers a heftier tactile feel, the Ocean might still appeal despite the unknown bottom out force. Overall, the Kailh BCP is the lighter option, while the Outemu Ocean's heavier actuation may suit those seeking a more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we find that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ocean measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Kailh BCP the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can contribute to a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional depth, providing a sturdier typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. Therefore, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference: if you favor speed and responsiveness, the BCP is the better pick, while the Ocean might be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which can enhance the overall auditory experience when typing. This sound signature is a result of its unique design, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks a defined sound characterization. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard it’s paired with and the keycaps used, meaning both switches could potentially yield different sound experiences depending on the configuration.

When it comes to feel, the BCP switch delivers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that many users might find engaging and enjoyable during long typing sessions. This distinct tactile quality is designed to provide both comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not detailed, which leaves its sensory experience somewhat uncertain. Thus, while the BCP offers a well-defined tactile feedback, the Ocean's feel remains an open question.

In summary, the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its vibrant sound and enjoyable tactile feedback, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile's qualities are less clear, which could leave potential users wanting more information. Ultimately, while both switches may serve different preferences, the BCP delivers a clearer and more defined experience when it comes to both sound and feel, whereas the Ocean remains a mystery in comparison.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a more pronounced and bouncy feel while typing, along with a satisfying auditory feedback, the BCP switch may be the better option for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams not only provides a desirable resistance but also ensures a unique tactile experience during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a tactile bump without the noise or if you value a more muted sound profile, the Outemu Ocean switch might suit you better. While it lacks specific sound characteristics, it could potentially offer a more subdued typing experience for those in quieter environments or who dislike the clacky nature of the BCP. Ultimately, assess your typing style and sound preferences; that will guide your decision towards the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more