Kailh BCP vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to the feel and sound that best suits your typing preferences. The Kailh BCP switches are designed with a unique take on the classic Black Cherry Pie, featuring a bouncy and clacky typing experience that is both satisfying and fun. Their custom-molded design eliminates the hassle of disassembly, making them a user-friendly option for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a feather-light actuation force of just 35g, making them an excellent choice for delicate typists who prefer a more effortless touch. With their buttery, frictionless operation and a quieter sound profile reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, the Sakura Pinks cater to those seeking a smooth and playful typing experience. While both switches belong to the linear category, they each present distinct characteristics that can greatly influence your keyboard journey. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh BCP and Everglide Sakura Pink switches, a significant difference lies in the materials used for the housing of each switch. The BCP employs a nylon top and bottom housing, which promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its muted sound when striking the keys. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a much sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material is known for its ability to resonate sound more clearly, creating a more vibrant auditory experience. Hence, users looking for a smoother, bassier sound might prefer the tactile experience of the BCP, while those who favor a clearer, more resonant response might lean towards the Sakura Pink.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice of materials also plays a significant role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize visual impact in their mechanical keyboards. Since Nylon, as used in the Kailh BCP, is typically less translucent, it does not provide the same light diffusion benefits. However, the appealing sound characteristics and muted feedback of the BCP could outweigh this disadvantage for users who are more focused on typing experience rather than visual aesthetics. Therefore, while both switches can perform effectively in their own right, the suitability of each depends largely on user preference for sound profile and the importance of RGB functionality.
When combining the effects of the housing materials, it is essential to consider how each characteristic impacts the overall typing experience. With the BCP's nylon housing, the qualities of softer plastic produce a rounded bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing user comfort during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate builds create a crisp sound as the keys return to their original position, making it suitable for those who enjoy auditory feedback. The differences in sound profiles will ultimately result in different typist experiences, so if users are looking to achieve the best results, it's essential to choose a switch that aligns with their personal preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics. While both switches have their unique profiles, each can offer satisfactory performance depending on the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, significant differences can be observed 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, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sakura Pink is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. These differences mean that users who favor a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Kailh BCP due to its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who appreciate a firmer push. Meanwhile, the lighter Sakura Pink is ideal for users who prioritize prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as its lower resistance allows for easier and more rapid keystrokes without fatigue. Therefore, in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Kailh BCP is the heavier option while the Everglide Sakura Pink stands out as the lighter alternative, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we find that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura Pink travels 4 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel during gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press and depth, providing a tactile experience that many find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key travel depth.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 stands out with its distinctly clacky profile, delivering a sharp, snappy sound that resonates with each keystroke. This percussive effect adds a lively auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is characterized by a more muted auditory presence. While the Sakura Pink produces a poppy sound, akin to the playful experience of bubble wrap popping, it is generally softer and quieter than the BCP. Users looking for a more subtle sound while typing may prefer the Sakura Pink, especially in quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP offers a unique bouncy sensation, creating an elastic feedback that feels lively and engaging when typing. Its creamy texture enhances the experience, providing a silky glide that makes every keystroke pleasurable. The BCP is engineered for those who appreciate a switch with a bit more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink focuses on a buttery and frictionless typing experience, emphasizing ease of use with its extremely light actuation force. The smoothness of the Sakura Pinks makes for an effortless engagement that significantly reduces finger fatigue, catering well to those who type for extended periods and desire a more gentle interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches offer distinctive auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. While the BCP provides a more vibrant sound and lively feedback, the Sakura Pink excels in delivering a softer, effortlessly smooth typing experience. If you appreciate a bouncy, clacky feel, the BCP is likely your go-to, whereas those seeking a muted yet playful sound coupled with ease during typing may find the Sakura Pink more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound character or typing comfort in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you lean toward a medium-heavy feel and enjoy that satisfying bouncy feedback, along with a distinct clacky sound, the BCP is likely the better choice for you. Its creamy texture and poppy acoustics cater well to those who appreciate a more physical connection while typing, making it ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on responsive keypresses. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch and a more muted sound profile, the Sakura Pink will serve you well, especially for lengthy typing sessions. Its effortless, frictionless operation minimizes finger fatigue and its buttery feel lets you glide over keys with ease, making it a great fit for delicate typists or anyone who values comfort above all. In essence, whether you want the engaging feedback of the BCP or the smooth, easy-to-press nature of the Sakura Pink, each switch offers a unique experience that can shape your keyboarding experience.