Kailh BCP vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh BCP and the Durock Piano can significantly impact your typing experience. The Kailh BCP, known for its innovative design that mirrors the legendary Black Cherry Pies, offers a unique combination of a creamy, bouncy feel and a satisfying poppy sound profile, all without the hassle of disassembly. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches provide a luxurious typing experience characterized by their gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, making them a favorite for those who prefer a silky touch. While the BCP switches excel in offering an engaging sound profile, the Durock Pianos are celebrated for their smoothness and rich auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the Durock Piano switches exhibit differing compositions in their housing materials, which ultimately influence the typing experience and acoustic characteristics of each switch. The BCP features a nylon top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer composition that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent qualities of nylon allow it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder, more subdued acoustic signature. Conversely, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housing. Although specific details regarding this blend aren't available, POM is generally recognized for providing a satisfying typing experience, suggesting that it also offers a deep and rich sound profile. This fundamental difference in the housing materials highlights how each switch is engineered for a distinctive auditory character.
Despite the different materials used, the Kailh BCP and Durock Piano switches may still yield similar acoustic outcomes depending on their specific designs. With the BCP’s nylon housings contributing to a duller sound, the bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the bottom-out sound, while the top housing primarily influences the sound upon key release. In contrast, the Piano's POM blend, known for its engaging sound profile, has similar dynamics in which the unique acoustics are imparted through its top and bottom housings. Even though they are made of different materials, both switches are designed to deliver satisfying keypress experiences, emphasizing sound quality and tactile feedback equally.
Additionally, the differences in sound absorption between nylon and POM can result in a nuanced user experience. The nylon of the BCP may produce a warmer, rounder sound that is preferred by users seeking a mellow typing experience, while the Piano's proprietary blend may offer a crisper response, enhancing sharpness in the acoustic elements. This contrast in material characteristics will nonetheless provide users with enjoyable performance due to the thoughtful design of each switch. Therefore, while the Kailh BCP and Durock Piano differ in their material composition, both are crafted to achieve satisfying and deep sound profiles, catering to various preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force demonstrate some similarities and differences in terms of typing experience. The Kailh BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, requiring a moderate amount of pressure for key presses, while the Durock Piano switch has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of initial keystroke resistance. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that they provide a similar level of resistance when fully depressed. As such, while the Kailh BCP is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Durock Piano's unknown actuation force leaves a degree of ambiguity regarding its overall feel. Ultimately, the heavier bottom out force of both switches ensures that users will experience a solid feedback at the end of each keystroke, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the two exhibit notable differences. The Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Piano, which features a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference may influence user preference; for those who prioritize faster response times, the BCP's shorter distance may provide a more responsive feel. Conversely, users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with greater depth may find the Durock Piano's longer travel distance of 4 mm more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether one values quickness and responsiveness or a more substantial tactile experience.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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, leading to a lively auditory experience that can add an engaging element to typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch provides a deeper and rich sound signature, described as bassy, which results in a more subdued and mellow auditory feedback during key presses. While both switches have their distinct sound profiles, the overall experience can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material chosen, so similar acoustics can still be achieved with the proper setup.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP is known for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensations that create a unique typing experience. Typing on BCP switches feels dynamic and lively, enhancing the sense of interaction with each key press. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch offers a more frictionless and silky feel, enabling an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. The combination of these characteristics creates a fluid travel that feels almost seamless when typing, making it appealing for long sessions. Overall, while the BCP is more bouncy and tactile, the Piano focuses on a consistently smooth feel, appealing to users who prioritize ease of typing.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Durock Piano linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The BCP delivers a poppy and lively sound paired with a bouncy feel, while the Piano provides a deeper, richer sound accompanied by a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference, you may find that these switches can deliver satisfying results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the energetic auditory feedback of the BCP or the luxurious typing Surface of the Durock Piano, both options are excellent choices that will elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a typing experience that is not just smooth but also delivers a bit of character in terms of a poppy and clacky sound, the BCP is a fantastic choice. Its unique elastic and bouncy feel can make your typing experience lively and engaging, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued, deep, and richly bassy sound profile, along with an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Durock Piano switches will suit your needs brilliantly. Their creamy, gliding push provides a consistently pleasant action, ideal for those who value effortless keystrokes without any resistance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an energetic auditory experience with the Kailh BCP or a silky, smooth typing sensation with the Durock Piano.
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