Kailh BCP vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the KTT Purple Click offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, creamy, and bouncy feel, elevating the typing experience with a soft yet poppy sound that is both pleasing and subtle. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a fluid keystroke without the distraction of loud clicks, making it a solid choice for quiet environments or focused work settings. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, known for its high-pitched, satisfying click, delivers a tactile sensation that strikes a perfect balance—light keystrokes that ensure pronounced feedback without overwhelming the user. This clicky switch is great for those who enjoy an auditory element to their typing and seek an invigorating experience with every keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and KTT Purple Click switches showcase a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, with the BCP utilizing nylon and the Purple Click opting for polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the BCP is noted for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer properties, which enable it to absorb sound vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, thus resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing is designed for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Being a stiffer material, polycarbonate allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, leading to a crisper and more pronounced auditory feedback. This difference in materials not only influences the sound quality but also affects the tactile experience of each switch.
On the flip side, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Kailh BCP and KTT Purple Click share the same material: nylon. This commonality means that while the two switches differ in their top housing and respective sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing results in a similar auditory experience during the key's bottom-out action. Nylon's absorption qualities impart a deeper sound that adds warmth to the overall typing experience, making both switches deliver a duller and rounder sound when the keys are fully depressed. Therefore, despite the differing top materials, both switches achieve comparable results in the bottom housing, highlighting the importance of material choice in key feel and sound.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches results in a nuanced typing experience influenced by the duality of their housing components. The Kailh BCP balances the deeper tonal qualities of nylon in both the top and bottom housings, while the KTT Purple Click contrasts that with a pronounced, crystal-clear sound from its polycarbonate top housing coupled with the nylon bottom. When typing, users will experience this dynamic interplay between the two materials, where the characteristics of the top housing are prominent on release, and the bottom housing's qualities dominate during key presses. This illustrates how, even with differing materials, one can achieve unique yet complementary acoustic experiences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh BCP features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. This means that the Purple Click is better suited for users who enjoy a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Overall, if you're looking for a heavier feel, the Kailh BCP would be the choice, while the KTT Purple Click provides a lighter, more effortless keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the KTT Purple Click switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Given that 4 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, the Purple Click may provide a more pronounced feedback for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Kailh BCP may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages, the Kailh BCP will likely feel snappier and more responsive, whereas the KTT Purple Click will offer a more substantial keystroke 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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 boasts a distinctively poppy and clacky profile that adds a lively auditory element to the typing experience. This sound is characterized by a smooth yet pronounced resonance, which is enjoyable and engaging without being overly harsh. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch features a high-pitched, crunchy sound akin to stepping on leaves, paired with a clean and sharp resonance that enhances the auditory experience while typing. The clicky nature of the Purple Click not only provides feedback but also creates an immersive soundscape, making it an apt choice for those who enjoy an auditory punch in their keystrokes.
On the feel side, the Kailh BCP linear switch is lauded for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy texture, offering a satisfying smoothness that many typists appreciate. This switch enables effortless, fluid keystrokes that facilitate long typing sessions without fatigue. In sharp contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating feel with its pronounced feedback and a more moderate to firm actuation force. The stepped tactile feedback allows for a sensation that, while snappy and reactive, does not overwhelm, striking a balance that caters to typists seeking both responsiveness and comfort.
In conclusion, the Kailh BCP offers a lively poppy sound and a smooth, bouncy feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer linear switches. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click provides a satisfying clicky sound paired with a moderate tactile feedback that many typists find gratifying. While both switches cater to different preferences, they illustrate the diversity within mechanical keyboard switches, allowing users to select based on their desired auditory and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel and a smooth typing experience, the BCP's creamy and bouncy action could be ideal, especially for extended typing sessions where comfort is a priority. The BCP is also a great choice if you enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile but want to avoid the complexities often associated with switch disassembly. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and engaging sensation with a lighter actuation force, the KTT Purple Click might be your go-to. Its moderately firm feedback and pronounced crunching sound can invigorate your writing or gaming experience, making each keystroke feel sharp and satisfying. The Purple Click is perfect for users who appreciate the audible feedback of a clicky switch without overwhelming actuation forces or excessive noise. Therefore, consider your typing style, the auditory experience you desire, and how these switches will fit into your overall setup when making your decision.
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