Kailh BCP vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Kailh BCP and TTC Silent Brown can significantly impact your typing experience. The Kailh BCP, a linear switch, reimagines the classic Black Cherry Pie with custom-molded designs, creating a unique typing feel characterized by a creamy, elastic bounce and a poppy, clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts adore. It's an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, offers a more nuanced typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance, featuring a satisfying rounded tactile bump that alerts typists of key actuation without the noise of a traditional switch. Its muted sound profile makes it ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard world. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the TTC Silent Brown switches, a notable distinction arises primarily from their top housing materials. The Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributable to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly appealing for users who value a brighter auditory experience. The contrast between these two materials illustrates how the choice of housing can dramatically influence the acoustic character of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Kailh BCP and the TTC Silent Brown feature nylon. This shared material choice results in similar acoustic properties for the bottom part of the switches, as nylon provides a consistent sound signature characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches effectively absorbs sound, creating a rounded bass tone that permeates the typing experience. Therefore, while the top housings present a stark contrast in sound profiles, the similarity in bottom housings ensures that the overall feel and deeper tone remain consistent between the two models, demonstrating how the combination of materials can yield unique yet interconnected results.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings necessitates an understanding of how these materials contribute to the overall performance of each switch. While the Kailh BCP provides a richer, bass-oriented sound through its nylon top, the TTC Silent Brown enhances the acoustic experience with a clearer and sharper tone from its polycarbonate top. However, both switches benefit from nylon as a common element in the bottom housing, ensuring that they share a fundamental deepness to their auditory feedback. The layered approach to switch design demonstrates how diverse materials can be harmonized to create distinct auditory experiences, catering to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Silent Brown switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Brown switch is easier to press down and may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates that they require the same amount of force to bottom out, or fully depress the key. Despite both being classified as medium-heavy for their bottom out force, the contrast in actuation forces caters to different user preferences: the BCP provides a heavier resistance before actuation, which some users may favor for a more substantial feel, while the Silent Brown’s lighter actuation force may help reduce finger fatigue in longer usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, a clear difference emerges. The Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown extends to 3.8 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option and the Silent Brown the longer one. For those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Kailh BCP's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it facilitates quicker actuation. Conversely, users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback might favor the Silent Brown’s greater depth, providing a more substantial sensation with each keypress. Overall, your choice between these two switches will largely depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the tactile feedback you seek while typing or gaming.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, a notable contrast emerges. The BCP switch is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky sound, which adds a lively and engaging auditory experience when typing. This sound profile can provide feedback that many typists enjoy, especially those who appreciate the classic mechanical keyboard acoustics. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch boasts a muted sound profile designed to minimize noise, providing a softer and quieter experience. This makes the Silent Brown ideal for environments where sound levels need to be kept to a minimum, as it significantly dampens the typical mechanical keyboard clatter.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch is known for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics. This results in a unique typing sensation that feels lively and responsive, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more dynamic feel under their fingers. Conversely, the Silent Brown switch offers a light-medium level of resistance accompanied by a satisfying rounded tactile bump, making each keystroke feel smooth and polished. The tactile feedback is pronounced enough to enhance the typing experience without being overly aggressive. These attributes contribute to a gentle yet satisfying typing experience, appealing to users looking for a comfortable and enjoyable key feel.
In summary, the Kailh BCP linear switch is ideal for those who crave an engaging and lively typing experience with a pronounced sound, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is better suited for individuals seeking a quieter, more refined typing environment with comfortable tactile feedback. Although both switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preferences and typing habits. Whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a subdued typing experience, both options have the potential to deliver a high-quality experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your specific typing or gaming needs, as well as your sound preferences. If you appreciate a more pronounced, dynamic sound and a bouncy, elastic feel while typing, the Kailh BCP will deliver a lively experience that is perfect for those who love a responsive and auditory feedback while they type. This switch excels in scenarios where typing sound is not a concern, making it ideal for gamers or enthusiasts who enjoy an expressive keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more refined experience suitable for office settings or shared spaces, the TTC Silent Brown is an excellent choice. With its buttery smooth tactile feedback and muted sound profile, it strikes a balance that provides a pleasant, yet unobtrusive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a vibrant and expressive feel or a polished and subtle typing experience.
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