Kailh BCP vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and the Jwick Splash Brothers present two compelling options for users who prefer linear switches, each offering a unique tactile experience. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative design that reinvents the classic Black Cherry Pie switch, boasting a creamy, viscous feel with a delightful bounce, alongside a distinctive poppy and clacky sound that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers, inspired by dynamic duo Steph and Klay, feature a shorter activation point paired with a long pole stem, creating a smooth, responsive typing feel complemented by a creamy sound signature. While both switches offer linear characteristics that eliminate tactile feedback, the choice between them could depend on whether you value a peppy auditory experience or a quicker activation time for an optimized typing workflow. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh BCP and Jwick Splash Brothers, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This acoustic characteristic arises from nylon's inherent softness, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing that generates a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity, leading to a more resonant audio experience. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency not only makes it visually appealing but also optimizes the switch for RGB lighting, enhancing its overall design versatility.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing as both utilize nylon. This similarity ensures that the bottom-out experience—defined by the sound and feel when a key is pressed down completely—yields a consistent character across both models. The nylon's softer properties contribute to a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out, effectively diminishing any harshness that might arise from the actuation. As a result, despite the variation in top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottoms ensures that users will experience a shared depth and fullness in sound when actually pressing the keys.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials imply that each switch will deliver a different auditory profile depending on how they are engaged, particularly during release. The BCP's nylon top dampens sound, giving it a more subdued quality upon key release, while the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top enhances resonance, resulting in a sharper sound. In practice, this means that users who prioritize a refined, clear auditory feedback might lean towards the Splash Brothers due to their polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a softer and more muted sound might gravitate towards the BCP. Nevertheless, with both switches featuring nylon bottoms, users can be assured of a fulfilling and rich acoustic experience on key presses, regardless of the choice they make.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there is a notable difference in terms of actuation force and bottom-out force. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, its bottom-out force is significantly lighter at 48 grams. This means that the Splash Brothers offers a lighter typing experience overall, potentially appealing to users who want to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom-out forces of the BCP may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Therefore, if one values a lighter touch for long sessions at work or gaming, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be the better choice, while the Kailh BCP might suit users who appreciate a heftier keypress.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that you can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of switches. Since their travel distances are identical, users can enjoy comparable performance and tactile feedback, making either choice suitable for those seeking a consistent linear switch experience. With both switches requiring the same amount of travel from top to bottom, you can achieve uniform results across your keyboard setup.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh BCP switch is characterized by a poppy and clacky auditory experience that can energize the typing environment, likely appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a creamy sound signature, providing a softer and neutral auditory profile. While the BCP offers a distinctive sound that can spark engagement, the Splash Brothers creates a more subdued environment, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike—particularly in shared or quieter spaces. Ultimately, the differences in sound profile cater to different preferences, with the BCP leaning towards an expressive setup and the Splash Brothers offering a more harmonious blending into various environments.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP is designed to deliver a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy typing sensation, enhancing the overall enjoyment and engagement while typing. This more dynamic feedback can energize usage and increase typing efficiency. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch combines a mild, snappy, bouncy, and polished feel, offering a gentle yet responsive typing experience. The snappy quality provides quick feedback, while the bouncy characteristics add an elastic feel to each keystroke, contributing to an overall pleasant tactile engagement. Both switches are designed with a focus on enjoyment and responsiveness; however, the BCP's lively bounciness contrasts with the more nuanced and controlled typing experience of the Splash Brothers.
In conclusion, when comparing the Kailh BCP and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, the BCP stands out with its distinctive clacky sound and dynamic bouncy feel, striking an enlivening note that may appeal to those looking for pronounced engagement in their typing experience. Alternatively, the Splash Brothers offers a more neutral sound and a versatile, refined feel that balances responsiveness with subtlety, making it suitable for a wider variety of environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize expressive sound and bounciness over a more mellow and polished typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a slightly more tactile typing experience, along with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and that signature poppy sound, the BCP may be your ideal choice. Its creamy, viscous feel provides a unique sensation that can be particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and speedier, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are excellent with their 48-gram bottom-out force and shorter activation point. These switches excel in dynamic typing situations, thanks to their snappy and bouncy response, making them favorable for gaming and fast-paced typing. Additionally, their mild sound profile ensures they remain unobtrusive in shared environments. Therefore, consider what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you—the robust tactile feedback of the BCP or the quick and agile feel of the Splash Brothers—so you can make an informed choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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