Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade represent two distinct yet appealing options catering to different preferences. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, reimagines the classic Black Cherry designs with custom-molded components that enhance both performance and ease of use, eliminating the hassle of disassembly. Its typing experience is characterized by a creamy, bouncy feel and a poppy, clacky sound profile that can bring a lively energy to your typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a more subdued experience with its tactile response, featuring a distinctive "thocky" sound that ensures quiet operation while still providing tactile feedback during typing. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a punchy tactile bump without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches cater to unique desires—whether you crave a smooth and expressive linear feel or a quiet yet satisfying tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, which contributes significantly to their audio and tactile performance. Both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, leveraging the inherent acoustic properties of the material. Nylon is characterized as a softer plastic, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. This quality allows for sound absorption, which reduces the harsher sounds often produced by harder plastics. Therefore, both switches can provide a similar typing experience, with a muted yet satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate.
Despite the switches sharing the same housing material, there may be nuances in their performance or feel due to the design specifics or internal components, even though the housing is made from nylon in both cases. Each housing's contributions can be felt in different aspects of the typing experience; the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound released when a key is released. Therefore, even though both the BCP and the Silent Yellow Jade utilize the same nylon composition, any differences in their designs or spring mechanisms could lead to varied tactile feedback or keystroke dynamics, giving each switch its unique character.
Overall, users can expect a generally similar auditory profile from both Kailh BCP and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches owing to their nylon composition. The deep, subdued sound characteristic of nylon will be present in both, creating a comfortable typing experience. It is essential for users to consider that while the housing materials may be identical, other factors such as the switch type, spring weight, and overall design will contribute to subtle differences in sensation and performance. Thus, while striving for a uniform typing experience, the choice between these two switches may ultimately come down to personal preference in feel and feedback rather than the sound profile alone.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch present distinct yet comparable characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade features a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the BCP switch a bit heavier overall, particularly when considering the bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Yellow Jade would be more suitable, as its actuation force is lower, making it easier to press. In contrast, those who appreciate a stronger push feel may lean towards the Kailh BCP for its slightly heavier actuation. In summary, while both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is the lighter option when it comes to actuation, whereas both exhibit a close finish in bottom out forces, with the BCP being slightly less cumbersome to bottom out.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the BCP switch provides a deeper keypress experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Thus, if you prioritize a more responsive action, the Outemu switch would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more traditional and hearty depth might lean towards the Kailh BCP switch. Overall, the difference in travel distance highlights the varying preferences between users, with the BCP having the longer travel distance and the Silent Yellow Jade having the shorter one.
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 Jade 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 produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, reminiscent of the classic Cherry switches it draws inspiration from. This lively auditory feedback is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound. This switch is designed for a more muted acoustic profile, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Given these differences, the BCP will be more suitable for users who relish a vibrant soundscape, while the Silent Yellow Jade is perfect for those who prefer discretion in their keystrokes.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP switch delivers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, providing an engaging tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. The unique design of these switches eliminates the need for disassembly, allowing users to easily enjoy this distinct feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a punchy tactile bump, delivering a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. This tactile quality is further accentuated by its factory lubrication, which ensures a smooth transition that rounds out the typing experience. While the BCP leans toward a more fluid and bouncy feel, the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on providing a precise, tactile feedback.
In summary, the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The BCP offers a lively and pronounced auditory experience with a creamy, bouncy feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter yet satisfying “thocky” sound with a punchy tactile bump. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and selecting the right one will ultimately enhance your overall enjoyment of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more dynamic typing experience characterized by a lively and responsive feel, the BCP's creamy and elastic bounce along with its signature poppy sound might be the right fit for you. It's ideal for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback and are looking for a bustling, engaging sound profile while typing, making it suitable for a vibrant workspace. On the other hand, if you require a quieter option that provides tactile feedback without the interruption of noise, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice. Its punchy tactile bump and "thocky" sound create a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you, making it perfect for co-working spaces or quiet rooms. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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