Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Tom offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The BCP, a linear switch, is celebrated for its unique reimagining of the classic Black Cherry Pie, providing a creamy and bouncy feel that ensures smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Its signature poppy and clacky sound adds an auditory delight to every typing session, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a fluid and responsive typing experience without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, known for its tactile feedback, enhances typing by providing a noticeable bump that lets users know each keystroke has registered. This tactile sensation can improve typing accuracy and speed, appealing to those who prefer more feedback from their switches. Each switch has its own merits depending on whether you prioritize a seamless glide or tactile responsiveness. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 switch and the Outemu Tom switch, we found notable differences in their top housings. The BCP features a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer plastic attributes which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This type of material efficiently absorbs sound, allowing typing to produce a rounder, more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Tom uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper and more resonant. Polycarbonate’s unique qualities give it a translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who enjoy visual aesthetics alongside performance.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing construction, utilizing nylon. This means that when it comes to producing a rich and deeper sound profile from the bottom of the switch, both the BCP and Tom exhibit the same characteristics. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, ensuring that the bottom-out experience of both switch types delivers a similar auditory signature. Consequently, while the top housings set the overall sound tone, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures a consistent feel and sound during the actuation process, creating a unique synergy in performance across both models.
Ultimately, the difference between the Kailh BCP and Outemu Tom primarily resides in their respective top housings, which significantly impacts the sound experience. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper sound profile and provides a consistent feel, the contrasting materials of the top housings dictate how the audio characteristics differ when key releases occur. Therefore, users can expect a more subdued sound from the BCP due to its nylon top, while the Outemu Tom will likely deliver a more vibrant auditory experience under the same conditions. If users are looking for similar auditory results, they may focus on the characteristics of the bottom housing, where both switches harmonize, leading to a rich, full sound during typing and bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it's clear that the BCP offers a lighter actuation force at 52 grams, compared to the Tom's 55 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making the BCP well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the BCP also has a defined pressure of 63.5 grams, emphasizing a firmer feedback when fully depressed. On the other hand, the Tom switch lacks a specified bottom out force, which makes it difficult to assess whether it offers a similar experience in that regard. Overall, those seeking a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Tom, while those who favor a lighter touch may find the BCP to be the better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find that the Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Tom features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the BCP switch offers a more pronounced depth in keypresses, which can be appealing for users who prefer a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Tom’s shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, catering more towards gamers who favor speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Tom may be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, you might lean towards the Kailh BCP.
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 Tom 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 renowned for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which adds a distinct auditory charm to the typing experience. This engaging sound can create an enjoyable atmosphere for both the typist and anyone nearby. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks specific sound characteristics detailed in the available information. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's design and the type of keycaps used, so even without concrete details for the Tom, it could potentially provide a different auditory experience depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation with each keystroke, which contributes to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This tactile response enhances the overall engagement with the switch, making it enjoyable for extended typing sessions. The Outemu Tom's tactile feedback is not explicitly described, leaving an unknown element for those curious about its actuation feel. However, tactile switches typically provide some level of resistance at the actuation point, so it's possible that the Tom may offer a traditional tactile experience that deviates from the linear nature of the BCP.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out for its unique sound and delightful feel, the Outemu Tom's specific auditory and tactile qualities remain uncertain without further detail. If you're looking for a lively auditory experience and a sumptuous feel, the BCP is undoubtedly a compelling choice. Meanwhile, without clear information about the Tom, it remains an open option that could suit a different preference, likely providing a more traditional tactile typing experience. Ultimately, if you seek sound and feel gratification, the BCP is likely to deliver, while the Tom may still surprise you once you get a hands-on experience with it.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you’re looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a delightful creamy texture, the BCP is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy a bit of feedback in your keystrokes. The BCP’s signature poppy and clacky sound adds an engaging auditory element, enhancing your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response while typing, the Outemu Tom might be a more suitable option. Although details about its sound and feel are currently unavailable, generally, tactile switches provide a noticeable bump to signal when a key is actuated, helping with typing accuracy and providing a different tactile feedback experience than linear switches. Thus, if you gravitate towards a switch that offers a distinctive feel with precise feedback for typing tasks, the Outemu Tom could be your go-to. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you find more enjoyable—be it the smoothness of the BCP or the tactile feedback of the Outemu Tom.
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