Kailh BCP vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options stand out among linear switches: the Kailh BCP and the Huano Sakura. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its reimagined design that maintains the beloved characteristics of the iconic Black Cherry Pies while eliminating the common hassles associated with disassembly. Its creamy, viscous texture combined with a bouncy feel delivers a unique typing experience distinguished by a poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an engaging choice for typists who revel in auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch that is perfect for extended typing sessions, boasting medium acoustics which provides a quieter yet satisfying feel beneath your fingers. While the BCP caters to those who enjoy a lively sound and tactile response, the Sakura prioritizes comfort and ease during long hours of use. 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
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Huano Sakura switches, notable differences emerge, particularly with their top housings. The Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to deliver a deeper and more resonant sound profile due to its softer composition. This soft plastic characteristic allows for sound absorption, which produces a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Huano Sakura incorporates POK material for its top housing, which offers enhanced durability and a smoother typing experience. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of nylon, POK presents a different tactile sensation, contributing to the switch’s overall clacky sound. While both materials serve their purpose in promoting sound absorption and enhancing user experience, they distinctly influence the auditory and tactile feedback delivered during use.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a commonality as they are constructed from nylon. This offers a consistent experience in terms of sound quality. As noted, nylon is recognized for providing a fuller sound profile, absorbing high frequencies that might otherwise contribute to a sharper typing sound. The fact that both the Kailh BCP and Huano Sakura utilize nylon in their bottom housings suggests they will likely produce similar bottom-out sounds. With both switches featuring nylon at the bottom, users can expect a consistent depth and fullness to the sound as they bottom out the keys, further enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP and Huano Sakura switches introduce different materials for their top housings—nylon versus POK—their shared use of nylon for the bottom housings creates a solid foundation for auditory similarities. The distinct sound profiles produced by the top housings may lead to different tactile experiences and acoustic characteristics during typing, yet the consistent bottom housing material ensures users will encounter some common traits when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, users may achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and feedback during key presses, while enjoying the unique nuances that arise from the different top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to varying preferences in tactile feedback. The BCP switch requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Sakura switch is much lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This disparity makes the BCP switches better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Sakura switches are ideal for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, if you're leaning towards a lighter switch, the Huano Sakura would be the better option, whereas the Kailh BCP will appeal to those who enjoy a higher resistance while typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm means that the BCP offers a quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prefer the more immediate feedback of shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Sakura's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel during typing, which some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, if responsiveness is a priority, the Kailh BCP would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, while the Huano Sakura may appeal more to those who favor a deeper typing 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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 switch offers a distinctly poppy and clacky sound profile, making it quite pronounced and snappy during use. This engaging auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, bringing a lively quality to key presses that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch produces medium acoustics with a feather-light touch, resulting in a sound that is more subdued and less intrusive compared to the BCP. This difference makes the Sakura a preferable option for those seeking a quieter environment, especially during prolonged typing sessions where noise levels might become bothersome.
When it comes to feel, the BCP switch is characterized by its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy nature, providing a unique tactile sensation that many typists enjoy. This springy response can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable, while also giving the user a sense of responsiveness with every keystroke. The Sakura switch, in contrast, is designed to offer a feather-light touch, making it exceptionally easy to press the keys down with minimal effort. This delicate feel can be appealing for those who prefer a less tactile and more straightforward typing experience, though it may lack the richer feel that some users appreciate in the BCP.
In summary, both the Kailh BCP and Huano Sakura switches provide distinct auditory and tactile qualities, catering to different preferences. The BCP stands out with its poppy sound and bouncy feel, whereas the Sakura offers a quieter experience with a feather-light touch. Depending on your typing style and environment, you can achieve a satisfying experience with either, albeit with different characteristics that might better suit your personal taste or requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a pivotal role. If you favor a heavier, more tactile experience and enjoy a distinct auditory feedback, the Kailh BCP is the way to go, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams delivering a creamy, bouncy feel that culminates in a signature clacky sound. This makes it particularly suitable for those who find satisfaction in a more pronounced typing sensation and perhaps engage in gaming where the auditory cues can enhance the experience. On the other hand, if you prefer lightweight actuation and a quieter environment, the Huano Sakura's 45-gram bottom out force and more subtle acoustics will serve you well, making it perfect for longer typing sessions where comfort and reduced strain are paramount. Both switches offer unique advantages, and your choice will ultimately reflect your priorities—be it a robust tactile experience or effortless, extended use.
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