Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Purple present two distinct yet appealing options for different user preferences. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quick and uninterrupted typing experience. Its reimagined design incorporates custom-molded switches that eliminate the hassles of disassembly, while offering a creamy, elastic feel paired with an engaging pop and clack sound that enhances the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving typists feedback with each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, especially for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. While both switches cater to specific needs—smooth linear action versus tactile feedback—they each bring unique qualities to the table. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Purple, significant distinctions arise primarily from the materials used for the top housing. The BCP features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Outemu Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile owing to the stiffer material. This distinct difference in design leads to varied auditory experiences when typing, where users of the BCP can expect a more muted acoustics, while those with the Purple might enjoy a more resonant click.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the BCP and Outemu Purple utilize nylon, which provides a consistent auditory experience between the two switches. The nylon material ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switches, effectively absorbing sound and contributing to the overall sound dampening. This similarity in bottom housing means that although the top housings diverge significantly in their sonic contributions, the essential feel and acoustics at bottom-out will share common characteristics, leveraging the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities to deliver a cohesive typing experience.
Ultimately, the impact of each housing material can lead to a blend of sound profiles. While the BCP presents a more subdued sound from the top due to its nylon construction, the crispness from the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Purple provides a contrast that some users might prefer for its clarity. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the overall typing experience will still be grounded by the plush and rich characteristics of nylon, allowing for similar satisfaction in terms of tactile feedback despite the differences in top sound profiles. In essence, users can expect that when pressing the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will dominate the feeling and sound upon bottoming out, ensuring that a shared nylon base harmonizes the different experiences offered by the tops.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Purple switch is slightly lighter at 50 grams. This means that the BCP may require a bit more effort to activate, making the Purple more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially useful for long typing sessions or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the BCP has a measurement of 63.5 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel upon fully depressing the key. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unavailable, which makes it difficult to compare directly; however, we can deduce that the BCP will give a more pronounced bottoming out experience due to its defined measurement. Overall, if you're prioritizing a lighter switch, the Outemu Purple is the better option, while the BCP offers a heavier and more pronounced feel suitable for users who appreciate tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, a notable difference emerges: the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Kailh BCP is the shorter switch, providing a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the BCP, while those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile engagement with each keystroke might choose the Outemu Purple.
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 Purple 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 adds a lively character to the overall typing experience. This auditory feedback can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate hearing their keystrokes, providing a sense of engagement. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, leaving it unclear how it compares in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can vary based on external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, so there may still be ways to influence the auditory quality of the Outemu switch.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that enhances the typing experience. This unique tactile feedback can make typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable, giving users a pronounced sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Purple switch remains unknown in this context, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Users may need to test it themselves to fully understand its tactile feedback and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP linear switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound along with a versatile and enjoyable feel due to its creamy, elastic characteristics, the Outemu Purple switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptions. However, both options can be tailored through careful selection of the keyboard and keycaps to achieve desirable qualities. Therefore, users interested in a fun auditory experience and an engaging tactile feel might gravitate more toward the Kailh BCP, while those drawn to the Outemu Purple will need to explore its unique attributes firsthand to discern its overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, your choice will heavily depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you are looking for a smooth typing experience that provides a medium-heavy resistance with a notably satisfying sound profile characterized by a poppy and clacky feel, the Kailh BCP would be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a bouncier, elastic touch and want to avoid the hassles of disassembly thanks to its custom-molded design. Conversely, if you favor tactile feedback and prefer to feel a noticeable bump with each keystroke, the Outemu Purple will likely cater to your needs better. While details about the Purple's bottom-out force and sound profile are less defined, tactile switches are generally favored by typists who enjoy the sensation of their key presses without the need for the fluidity offered by linear switches. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound you enjoy, and whether you appreciate the tactile bumps or the smoothness of a linear switch, as these factors will guide you toward your ideal keyboard experience.
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