Kailh BCP vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out for their unique characteristics: the Kailh BCP and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Kailh BCP is designed for those who seek a vibrant typing experience, boasting a creamy and bouncy feel that is complemented by its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an exhilarating choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to users needing a quieter experience, providing a luxurious, pillow-like bottom-out feel without the distracting noise, ideal for office settings or late-night gaming sessions. While the BCP emphasizes a lively and responsive experience, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a more serene and subtle interaction with your keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are constructed from distinctly different housing materials, which significantly impacts their acoustic and tactile profiles. The Kailh BCP features a classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housings. This choice lends itself to a deeper, more resonant sound when typing, as the softer nylon absorbs sound vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a more rounded auditory experience, characterized by a duller and fuller sound profile that is often favored by those who enjoy quieter keyboards. The acoustic properties of nylon not only enhance the typing experience but also contribute to a more subdued atmosphere, making these switches suitable for office or shared environments.
In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, producing a sound profile that is notably higher in pitch—all while remaining comfortable and not overly sharp. This material choice results in a clacky sound that can be quite satisfying for typists who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback. While the BCP's nylon housing softens the auditory experience, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend offers a distinctive and elevated sound that stands out in its own right. This difference in sound character may influence a user's choice depending on personal preferences for auditory feedback while typing.
When considering the functional implications of the differing housing materials, it's essential to recognize how each component contributes to the overall experience. The Kailh BCP's uniform nylon construction provides a cohesive sound profile across the keystroke, enhancing the deeper auditory experience both at bottom-out and rebound. In contrast, the contrasting characteristics of Gateron’s INK blend mean that each part of the switch plays a critical role in shaping the acoustic result. With the Silent Ink Black, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound, while the top housing primarily affects the release sound. Therefore, while both switches aim to create distinct typing experiences, users can achieve similar overall results in terms of sound profile—just articulated through different tonal quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black requires a greater actuation and bottom out force. The BCP has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's actuation force is 60 grams, with a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as heavier in both respects. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Kailh BCP. Conversely, users seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Gateron Silent Ink Black for its firmer resistance. Ultimately, while both switches offer a medium-heavy experience, the Kailh BCP is the lighter choice, potentially appealing to those who prioritize comfort during lengthy usage.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, the Kailh BCP will require less travel before actuating compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black. For gamers seeking swift response times, the shorter travel distance of the BCP switch may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker key presses. However, the Silent Ink Black, with its more traditional 4 mm distance, offers a deeper pressing experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback and substantial feel. Overall, those who enjoy a more responsive keypress may opt for the Kailh BCP, while those who favor a more substantial feel will likely be drawn to the Gateron Silent Ink Black.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch is characterized by its clacky audio profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and percussive. This makes it an engaging choice for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of their keystrokes, adding a lively atmosphere to typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed specifically for quieter environments, delivering a significantly muted sound experience with minimal audio feedback. This reduction in noise makes it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or late-night activities, allowing users to enjoy tactile typing without disturbing others.
In terms of feel, the BCP switch offers a unique typing experience characterized by its bouncy and creamy qualities. The bounciness provides a delightful spring-like feedback that energizes the typing experience, while the creamy texture ensures a smooth and buttery motion with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a different tactile experience described as silky, emphasizing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance as keys are pressed and released. While both switches aim for a pleasant tactile sensation, the BCP focuses on a lively and engaging feel, whereas the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a smooth and understated typing experience.
Considering the overall qualities of each switch, the Kailh BCP is ideal for typists who enjoy a more vibrant and auditory typing experience, thanks to its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black appeals to those seeking a quiet and fluid typing experience, making it suitable for environments requiring discretion. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both switches offer unique strengths that cater to different typing styles and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the BCP might be the ideal choice for you, as it offers a bouncy, creamy feel with a distinctive clacky sound profile that can make typing feel more lively and dynamic. This makes it particularly appealing for gaming or casual typing sessions in a setting where the auditory feedback is less of a concern. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quiet workspace or share your environment with others, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would likely suit your needs better. With a cushy, silky feel and minimal sound output, these switches provide a smooth typing experience while reducing noise levels, making them perfect for office use or late-night typing marathons. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging sound and feel or a quieter, more subdued experience.
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