Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can drastically influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Red Panda switches. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, is celebrated for its creamy, elastic feel and signature poppy clack sound, which makes for an engaging and dynamic typing experience without the disassembly hassles often associated with custom switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a more tactile experience, providing a light-medium level of tactility along with distinct audio characteristics—a bassy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a higher-pitched clack at the top-out. For those who prefer a smooth, unbroken keystroke, the BCP is an excellent choice, while the Red Panda caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback and varied sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Kailh BCP and the Outemu Red Panda switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a dampened auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its comforting characteristics. In contrast, the Red Panda employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials leads to each switch having a unique auditory signature, and if you're seeking a more pronounced sound while typing, the Red Panda would stand out for its more resonant qualities.
While the top housing materials differ, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This similarity is significant, as the bottom housing contributes heavily to the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch. The nylon used in the Red Panda’s bottom housing provides the same deeper and fuller sound signature as it does in the BCP. Consequently, both switches will have a muted and softer sound upon bottoming out, creating a consistent experience for typists who appreciate the subdued tactile feedback from nylon. This similarity in bottom housing ensures that although the top housings bring different acoustic characteristics, there remains a common auditory foundation between the two switches.
When considering the overall typing experience, the sound profiles created by the combination of the different top housings and the shared nylon bottoms can yield similar results. While the BCP users may enjoy a deeper, more mellow typist's experience due to the nylon top, the Red Panda users can expect crisper acoustic feedback that is visually complemented by its translucency, enhancing RGB lighting effects. The interplay between the softer nylon bottom and contrasting top materials results in a nuanced typing experience where each switch caters to different preferences while maintaining an underlying cohesiveness in sound and feel, ultimately allowing both options to appeal to diverse typing enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we see some noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Red Panda switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This means that while both switches are relatively close in actuation force, the BCP requires more pressure to bottom out. Consequently, the Red Panda offers a lighter feel, making it more suitable for users who prefer a switch that requires less effort and potentially allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier BCP might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Kailh BCP offers a deeper feel when pressed, which may be more satisfying for users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda allows for quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who benefit from faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Red Panda would be the best choice, whereas if you enjoy a more defined depth in your key presses, the Kailh BCP would suit your needs better.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch offers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that is designed to enhance the typing experience. This sound can be seen as both enjoyable and distinctive, thanks to its vibrant acoustic feedback that pleasantly punctuates each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda produces a combination of sounds that includes a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This results in an audio experience that is deeper and richer, giving the impression of a thocky sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, while both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the BCP leans towards a higher-pitched clack, while the Red Panda cultivates a fuller, more resonant sound.
Regarding feel, the Kailh BCP is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics that contribute to a highly engaging typing experience. This switch's tactile feedback ensures that each keystroke feels lively and responsive, enhancing the overall sensation of typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda provides a mild tactile feel that caters to those looking for a gentle typing experience. Its design ensures that the sound and feel are approachable, sitting comfortably within a middle-ground zone, making it appealing to a wide range of users. As such, while the BCP emphasizes a more dynamic and bouncy sensation, the Red Panda offers a smoother, softer touch.
In summary, both the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Red Panda switches deliver unique sensory experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP stands out with its lively and bouncy typing experience accompanied by a poppy sound, the Red Panda provides a more subdued yet rich auditory experience with its thocky sound and gentle feel. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference—whether one favors a more dynamic synth or a harmonic balance of tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it largely depends on your typing preferences and what you value in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you’re someone who enjoys a smooth, bouncy feel with a heavier bottom-out force and a signature poppy sound, the Kailh BCP might be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation can offer a more deliberate typing experience, making it great for typists who like to feel each key press distinctly without it feeling overly strenuous. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force that still provides some tactility, the Outemu Red Panda could be more suitable. Its mild feedback and thocky sound profile create an approachable and pleasant experience, appealing to a wide range of users. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—whether you prioritize a bouncy linear switch for a more dynamic feel or a mild tactile switch for a balanced, satisfying sound with a touch of character.
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