Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, switch type can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative take on the iconic Black Cherry Pie switch, featuring custom-molded components that enhance durability and eliminate the need for disassembly. Users often appreciate the creamy, elastic feel combined with a satisfying poppy sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switches, while less discussed in the realm of esports adjustments, are recognized for their smooth keystrokes and faster actuation, making them a go-to choice for gamers seeking quick response times without the tactility of a clicky switch. Both switches have their unique appeals—while the BCP caters to those who prefer a bouncier and more auditory typing experience, the Silver focuses on smoothness and speed. 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 Silver Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Silver switches, we can see distinct differences in their top housing. The Kailh BCP employs a nylon top housing, which is praised for its sound-dampening qualities that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows for a more muted auditory experience, which many typists find appealing, especially in quieter environments. In contrast, the Outemu Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is significantly stiffer, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound signature. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances clarity, offering a more resonant audio experience, which can be particularly attractive to gamers or users who prefer a crisper feedback from their keystrokes.

Interestingly, both the Kailh BCP and Outemu Silver feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that both switches will produce similar characteristics regarding the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and rounder auditory experience when pressing down on the key. Thus, while the top housing material varies between the two switches, it is the bottom housing that will exhibit consistent characteristics across both options, providing a familiar tactile feedback and sound profile for users.

Ultimately, the varying materials in the top housing lead to distinct auditory experiences while typing or gaming, shaping how each switch feels in use. When engaging with each switch type, the Kailh BCP will offer a fuller, more muted sound during both key presses and releases, while the Outemu Silver will provide a sharper, crisper response predominantly during releases. This split between the sound and tactile response illustrates how the combination of housing materials—nylon at the bottom and differing materials at the top—affects the overall typing experience. For users, this means that despite their similarities in bottom housing, the choice between the two should be influenced by their preference for auditory feedback in the top housing performance.

Weight

The Kailh BCP and Outemu Silver linear switches exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, although their bottom out forces show some similarities. The Kailh BCP requires an actuation force of 52 grams, making it heavier compared to the Outemu Silver's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Silver more suitable. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the BCP at 63.5 grams and the Silver slightly heavier at 65 grams, indicating that both can deliver a somewhat substantial feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Outemu Silver offers a lighter touch for actuation, both switches will create a comparable bottoming out experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more tangible feel when the key is fully pressed.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference. The BCP switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Kailh BCP offers a shorter actuation distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times and more responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver provides a more traditional and hearty depth with its 4 mm travel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards speed with the BCP or depth with the Silver.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh BCP linear switch is known for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which can enhance the auditory experience of typing, bringing a lively character to each keystroke. This sound is a result of its highly engineered design, which aims to replicate and elevate the qualities of traditional linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific sound profile described, leaving that aspect somewhat open to interpretation. However, it’s important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which may lead to different auditory experiences even with similar switches.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP switch offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, making typing a dynamic and enjoyable experience. This unique tactile feedback, coupled with the smooth actuation typical of linear switches, contributes to a pleasurable typing rhythm that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific details about its feel, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, as both switches are linear, they may provide a relatively smooth keystroke experience typical of linear designs, though any nuances in their tactile feedback remain to be discovered.

In conclusion, the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its engaging sound and distinctive tactile response, creating an immersive typing experience. The Outemu Silver linear switch, while lacking detailed characteristics in both sound and feel, still fits within the linear switch category and may yield a smooth experience if paired wisely with the right keyboard and keycaps. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, both switches offer unique attributes, with the BCP presenting a more defined auditory and tactile experience, whereas the Silver provides an opportunity for exploration in its own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique tactile experience with a smooth yet bouncy feel, paired with a satisfying sound profile, the Kailh BCP would be an excellent choice. It excels in providing a delightful typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment, especially if you enjoy the signature poppy and clacky sounds that accompany your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom-out force and are seeking a straightforward linear switch that delivers consistent performance without the extensive features of the BCP, the Outemu Silver might be the better option for you. While it may not come with the same level of character in terms of sound or feel, its medium-heavy resistance could cater well to avid typists who favor a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value unique sensorial feedback and auditory enjoyment or a more classic, reliable linear switch feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more