Kailh BCP vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the KTT Strawberry present two enticing options, each with unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The Kailh BCP, reimagining the iconic Black Cherry Pies, stands out with its creamy, viscous, and bouncy feel, complemented by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. This switch appeals to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience and the satisfying acoustics that come with it. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry is beloved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, characterized by its low-pitched, frictionless, and silky performance. The attractive pink and clear housings add an aesthetic appeal, while the buttery and polished touch ensures reliable performance, making it a favorite among users seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and sound preferences, but 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the KTT Strawberry switches, it's clear that each switch utilizes a different material for its top housing, which leads to distinct auditory characteristics. The BCP features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic results from nylon’s softer texture, contributing to a sound that feels round and subdued. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its stiffness, which creates sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. These contrasting materials highlight the differences in acoustic output; while the BCP may produce a more muted sound, the Strawberry is designed to deliver a more resonant experience.
The bottom housings of both switches follow a similar pattern to their tops, further emphasizing their differing sound qualities. Both the BCP and KTT Strawberry feature nylon and polycarbonate respectively for their bottom housings, which also influences the sound character. The BCP's nylon bottom housing continues the trend set by its top, enhancing the overall effect of the deeper sound and contributing to a fuller bottom-out impact. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry serves to amplify its crispness and clarity in sound. When a user presses down on either switch, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the tactile and auditory feedback received, ensuring that the sound produced at the bottom-out stage aligns with the attributes of the respective housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials lead to diverse auditory experiences, with the KTT Strawberry favoring a bright and clear sound profile and the Kailh BCP leaning towards a warm and rounded output. However, it's essential to note that if you are looking for a solution that combines the benefits of both materials, one could achieve similar sound characteristics by employing hybrid housing designs or focusing on the switch's entire configuration. Depending on the user's preferences for sound and feel, one can tailor their switch choice to align with their desired typing experience while still acknowledging how the materials contribute uniquely to each switch's overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Kailh BCP requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch that is more suited for users who appreciate a quicker, less strenuous keystroke. This significant difference in actuation force means that typists and gamers looking for a lighter feel would likely favor the Strawberry switch, while those who enjoy a firmer resistance may opt for the BCP. Despite the bottom out forces being relatively close, the overall heavier action of the BCP provides a different tactile experience compared to the lighter and more responsive feel of the Strawberry.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Kailh BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the BCP switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker actuation during gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, with its more traditional 4 mm distance, provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke for users who appreciate a fuller tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 switches produce a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. The auditory experience is enhanced by the custom-molded design, which eliminates disassembly hassles, thus promoting reliability in sound consistency. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches are known for their low-pitched sound, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched options. This deeper tone contributes to a more subdued typing experience, which some users may prefer for a quieter environment. It's important to note that the overall sound performance of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycap material, and other factors, so individuals should consider their entire setup when evaluating sound.
In terms of feel, the BCP switch stands out with its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics, providing a unique tactile experience that blends comfort with responsiveness. Users can expect a typing experience that delivers a fun and engaging action with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches focus on a frictionless and exceptionally smooth actuation, characterized by terms such as silky, buttery, and polished. This results in a typing sensation that minimizes resistance and friction, allowing for effortless key presses and releases. This smoothness is often compounded by the materials used and any factory lubing, which collectively contribute to a refined keyboard experience.
In summary, while the Kailh BCP and KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they both cater to different preferences. The BCP switches lean towards a lively, engaging sound with a unique bouncy feel, while the KTT Strawberries provide a smoother, quieter typing experience marked by their low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards should consider their individual preferences for sound and feel to determine which switch might best suit their needs, as both options can deliver an enjoyable typing experience in their own rights.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, your preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with a distinctive poppy, clacky sound profile and a bouncy touch, the Kailh BCP might be the ideal choice for you. It's designed for those who appreciate a more tactile and vibrant typing experience that can enhance both gaming and typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, frictionless feel with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the KTT Strawberry is likely to suit your needs better. With its silky and polished travel, it can offer a more effortless typing experience, making it a favorable option for extensive typing sessions or users who favor a quieter, more refined acoustic environment. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, and your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable and comfortable in your keyboard experience.
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