Kailh BCP vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence both typing experience and acoustic feedback. The Kailh BCP switch, with its innovative design, offers a creamy, viscous feel that combines elasticity and bounce, creating a typing experience underscored by a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile response and a noise level that adds character to their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight all-POM switch that excels in providing exceptional smoothness at an accessible price point, delivering a thocky sound profile that caters to users who prioritize a quiet but satisfying keypress. While the BCP is ideal for those who relish a more audible and tactile experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a plush and smooth typing encounter that is both budget-friendly and high-quality. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences in sound profiles and tactile experiences emerge due to their varied compositions. The BCP utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material is notable as nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to its softer properties that allow it to absorb sound effectively. This characteristic contributes to a duller and rounder auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which also yields a muted sound profile but with distinct tonal qualities. POM is known for providing a unique auditory experience, creating a sound that similarly leans toward the deeper side while presenting a different character that might be perceived as more refined compared to nylon.
While both switches promote a similar auditory depth, the nature of their respective materials leads to contrasting tactile feedback. The BCP's nylon housing tends to enhance the plush feel of the switch, delivering a softer typing experience due to its intrinsic material qualities. In comparison, the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie, while also offering a muted sound, may introduce a slightly different resilience and satisfaction when pressed, resulting in a tactile feel that some users might prefer over the softer nylon. However, both switches maintain a level of consistency in that their sound profiles do not stray far from being presented as warm and muted, establishing a particular harmony that enthusiasts might appreciate.
Ultimately, while Kailh BCP and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie differ fundamentally in housing materials, they share a common ground in delivering satisfying sound profiles thanks to their absorption qualities. Those who appreciate the nuances of softer plastics like nylon in the BCP may find similar satisfaction in the smooth auditory characteristics of POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie, albeit with slight distinctions in tactile feedback and sound presentation. Thus, users can expect to enjoy a pleasant typing experience from both switches, potentially finding delight in the subtler differences each offers.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, but there is uncertainty regarding the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie. The BCP switch has a defined actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the unknown bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie leaves an incomplete comparison in terms of how it performs when fully pressed. Overall, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Kailh BCP, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, would be the better choice, while the lighter Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to users favoring ease of usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the BCP measures at 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the BCP will provide a more responsive experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press and a less abrupt actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, either favoring the shorter, snappier response of the BCP or the more pronounced travel of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 marked by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which can be quite engaging for users who enjoy an audible typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, offers a thocky sound profile, known for its deep and satisfying acoustic feedback during typing. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences—BCP's clackiness versus the thocky resonance of the Smoothie. It's important to note that the sound of each switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even user typing style.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP is renowned for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy texture, providing a typing experience that feels lively and responsive. This unique feel contributes to a tactile satisfaction that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which provides a comfortable and fluid typing experience without any scratchiness. While the BCP may offer more character and dynamism in its bouncy design, the Smoothie focuses on providing an effortlessly smooth keystroke. Both switches offer vastly different tactile experiences and might suit different user preferences depending on what aspect of feel is prioritized.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches deliver distinct qualities that will resonate differently with each typist. The BCP is better suited for those who appreciate a lively sound and a bouncy feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users seeking smoothness and a deep thocky sound. Those selecting between these switches should consider their own auditory and tactile preferences, as both will provide enjoyable yet distinct typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke and appreciate the tactile satisfaction of a bouncy, elastic feel accompanied by a poppy, clacky sound profile, the Kailh BCP is a solid choice. This switch is ideal for users who value a distinct auditory feedback and a more engaged typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those in creative or dynamic workflows, where a lively sound can enhance motivation. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and prefer a more subdued yet satisfying typing experience, then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better option for you. Its medium-weight design delivers a thocky sound profile and an incredibly smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or gaming, where fluid motion and silence may enhance concentration. Therefore, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards an expressive typing experience with the BCP or the balanced smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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