Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique linear experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative design, drawing inspiration from the iconic Black Cherry Pies while providing a creamy, viscous feel that delivers a satisfying bounce. This switch stands out with its poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow focuses on providing a quieter typing experience without compromising on smooth actuation. This makes it particularly appealing for users who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued sound environment. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, they excel in different areas—Kailh BCP for its tactile auditory feedback, and Silent Yellow for its tranquillity. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a distinction emerges primarily from the materials used in their top housings. The BCP employs a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to its softer plastic composition. This softness inherently absorbs more sound, leading to a characteristically duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's top housing features polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This clear material not only enhances the auditory clarity but also provides aesthetic benefits, especially for users who intend to utilize RGB lighting in their setups.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow use nylon, which aligns their sound profiles in this aspect. The nylon's characteristic softness and sound-absorbing properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound that persists regardless of the switch type. Therefore, while the top housing distinguishes the two switches in terms of auditory experience, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both evoke a similar sensation during a keystroke's bottom-out moment. The nylon in the bottom housing enhances the typing experience by providing a smooth feel and muted acoustics that can be pleasing for many users.
Ultimately, the combination of materials distinctly influences how each switch sounds and feels during typing. The Kailh BCP's nylon top produces a warm, muffled effect, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity to the auditory feedback from the keys. Users looking for a deeper sound experience may prefer the BCP, while those seeking a crisper output might gravitate toward the Silent Yellow. However, as both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, they do exhibit similar bottom-out experiences, making them viable options depending on the user’s sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The BCP requires a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Silent Yellow, making the BCP the heavier option and potentially less suited for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the bottom-out force of the BCP is also higher at 63.5 grams, versus the Silent Yellow’s 60 grams. This indicates that users of the BCP may experience a more substantial feedback upon bottoming out, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the lighter Silent Yellow offers a softer typing experience, making it more suitable for individuals seeking a less taxing option for long periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom-out force, with the Silent Yellow appealing to those who favor lighter switches and the BCP to those who appreciate a heftier push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Kailh BCP switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow measures 4 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow offers a longer travel distance, which is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, providing a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Conversely, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Kailh BCP is advantageous for those who prioritize quicker response times, making it a more suitable option for gamers who thrive on speed and agility. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Kailh BCP might be the right choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow may appeal to those who value a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Silent Yellow 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 known for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an engaging auditory experience that many typists enjoy. This lively sound can enhance the overall typing experience, making it feel more satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specific sound profile provided, but being categorized as a "silent" switch suggests that it will likely produce a much quieter sound when activated, making it a suitable option for environments where noise reduction is essential. Keep in mind that the overall sound experience of both switches will still depend on external factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP is characterized by its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy nature, creating a typing experience that feels plush and responsive, ideal for users who prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback along with smoothness. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not explicitly defined, which leaves some uncertainty about its tactile characteristics. However, as a linear switch, it can be generally expected to provide a smoother keystroke without any tactile bump, catering to individuals who enjoy an uninterrupted pressing experience.
In summary, while the Kailh BCP linear switch offers a distinct and lively sound along with a plush and bouncy feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch remains less defined in terms of sound and feel characteristics. The BCP is designed to provide an engaging auditory and tactile experience, whereas the Silent Yellow focuses on creating a quieter typing experience. If you're looking for an either satisfying auditory experience or a more discreet option, both switches cater to different preferences but can deliver enjoyable typing results tailored to varying environments and user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch largely hinges on your preferences for typing feel, force requirements, and sound characteristics. If you favor a robust, tactile experience with a bit of auditory feedback, the Kailh BCP is your go-to. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams offers a satisfying resistance that many typists find engaging, plus its unique creamy and bouncy feel can enhance your overall typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a lively, poppy sound profile while typing. Alternatively, if you prioritize quieter operation without compromising too much on cushiness, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may be a better fit. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a softer touch that is comfortable for prolonged use, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept down. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your typing habits and environment—whether you're drawn to the auditory excitement of the BCP or the discreet reliability of the Silent Yellow.
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