Kailh BCP vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as two appealing options for those seeking linear switches. The Kailh BCP, reimagined from the iconic Black Cherry Pie design, offers a unique typing experience characterized by its creamy, viscous, and bouncy feel, along with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that adds a lively touch to any keystroke. This innovative switch not only eliminates the disassembly hassles often associated with custom switches but also accentuates the tactile experience for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte impresses with its super smooth keystrokes and a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony between being pleasantly audible without overwhelming resonance. This makes the Strawberry Latte an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined auditory aesthetic while engaging in prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming. Both switches undoubtedly offer unique advantages; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials between the Kailh BCP and the Huano Strawberry Latte, distinct contrasts emerge, particularly in their top housings. The BCP utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and rounder auditory profile when typing. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte boasts a POK top housing, which, while smooth and durable, delivers a clackier sound owing to its superior shock resistance and slightly higher coefficient of friction. While both housings serve the purpose of enclosing the switch's internal components, their differing material properties lead to variations in user experience; the BCP prioritizes a muted acoustics profile, while the Strawberry Latte focuses on a sharper auditory response.

In terms of the bottom housings, both switches again utilize nylon, resulting in a shared foundation that enhances the overall sound characteristics they produce. Being a classic material in switch designs, nylon's softness plays a key role in creating that deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often seek. This consonance in the bottom housing means that both switches will exhibit similar feel and auditory feedback at the point of bottom-out, allowing for a familiar typing experience that emphasizes comfort and sound absorption. Consequently, while the top housings set the tone for the overall sound, the nylon bottom houses ensure that foundational sound is resonantly deep.

As a result, users can expect some similarities in the auditory experience of both switches, particularly when it comes to the lower registers. Despite the contrasting top housing materials leading to different sound signatures during key release, the nylon bottom housing unifies their characteristics when the key is pressed down. This hybrid quality allows for a balanced typing experience, combining the muted acoustics of the BCP with the snappier attributes of the Strawberry Latte’s top housing. Therefore, while each switch has its unique identity shaped by its materials, the shared nylon component ensures that both switches produce an engaging and enjoyable tactile and auditory experience for typists.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is much lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference means the BCP will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, making it potentially less fatiguing for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the lighter Strawberry Latte switch is ideal for users who value a more effortless typing experience, perfect for long hours at work or extended gaming sessions. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the BCP is definitively heavier, appealing to those who favor a more tactile feedback, whereas the Strawberry Latte caters to those seeking ease of use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we observe that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances—more favored by gamers for their quick response times—the Strawberry Latte offers a marginally deeper feel compared to the BCP. If you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Kailh BCP with its shorter travel distance might suit you better. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more depth in your key presses, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the preferable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch features a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, which contributes to a lively auditory experience during typing. This characteristic makes the BCPs particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound profile—it's neither quiet nor overly resonant, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. This makes the Strawberry Latte suitable for environments where noise levels might be a concern, providing a harmonious blend that won’t distract others while still offering a satisfying auditory response.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP boasts a creamy, viscous texture that users describe as elastic and bouncy, creating a unique tactile sensation as fingers glide over the keys. This bounciness, paired with the clacky sound, offers a playful yet rewarding experience that many users find engaging. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte is known for its super smooth action, which can translate to a more consistent typing experience. The smoothness of the switch may appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward feel without the added complexity of bouncing or resistance.

In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the BCP provides a lively, textured feel and an engaging sound that energizes the typing experience, the Strawberry Latte focuses on providing a balanced sound and a smooth feel that promotes comfort during long typing sessions. Your choice between them will ultimately come down to whether you prefer the dynamic sensation of the BCP or the streamlined experience of the Strawberry Latte.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a firmer keystroke and a more tactile typing experience, the Kailh BCP is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams offers a satisfying and bouncy feel that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. The poppy and clacky sound profile adds character, making your keystrokes feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for a faster, more effortless typing experience, the Strawberry Latte's 45-gram bottom out force will serve you well. This switch provides a silky smooth feel and a balanced sound profile that won't overwhelm your surroundings, making it ideal for long typing sessions and office environments where noise levels are a concern. So, whether you prioritize a solid, tactile response or a smooth, light touch, your choice between these two switches will ultimately enhance your mechanical keyboard experience based on how you intend to use it.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more