Kailh BCP vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Kailh BCP and the HMX Swift, both linear switches that offer unique characteristics. The Kailh BCP is recognized for its innovative design that eliminates disassembly hassles, providing a rich typing experience complemented by a creamy texture and a satisfyingly bouncy feel. Its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile makes it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift sets itself apart with a deeper sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housing, delivering a silky smooth experience and a delicate 42g actuation force. This ideal blend of ease and responsiveness caters to users seeking a more muted auditory presence without sacrificing performance. While the BCP is perfect for those who appreciate a lively, tactile sound, the Swift is tailored for those who prefer a softer touch with a refined acoustics. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh BCP and HMX Swift switches exhibit strong similarities, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is pivotal in shaping the acoustic and tactile attributes of each switch. The nylon construction allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, enhancing the overall experience. The softness of nylon contributes significantly to sound absorption, which results in a quieter, more muted keystroke that many users find desirable. Thus, in both switches, operators can expect a similar auditory feedback when typing, characterized by a rounded, duller sound that enhances the tactile nature of the switches while mitigating harshness.
In terms of performance, the nylon material's influence on both the top and bottom housings ensures consistent sound characteristics across the Kailh BCP and HMX Swift switches. When typing on either switch, the response is likely to feel cohesive due to the uniformity of the nylon, which plays a significant role in the switching mechanism. Since both switches feature nylon in the same manner, any differences in feel or sound will be minimal and dependent on other factors like switch design, actuation force, or stem type. Users looking for a switch that delivers a harmonious typing experience can confidently select either option without a significant compromise on sound profile or tactility.
However, if one were to introduce switches with different materials for the top and bottom housings, the sound and feel characteristics would likely vary more distinctly. In mixed-material switches, the unique properties of each material would affect the entire typing experience; for instance, a harder plastic bottom housing might generate a different bottom-out sound compared to a softer top housing. In contrast, because both the Kailh BCP and HMX Swift rely solely on nylon, users will experience a more seamless integration of properties, reinforcing that the sensations of sound and feedback during keystroking are stable and predictable in both types of switches.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch demonstrate notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, affecting their overall user experience. The BCP switch requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing feel that some users prefer for enhanced tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, perfect for extended usage in work or gaming settings. As a result, the BCP switch is heavier overall, while the Swift switch is lighter. Users looking for a softer, quicker keystroke will appreciate the Swift, whereas those desiring more resistance in their typing will find the BCP more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we find that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Swift has a distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the BCP offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. For those who favor a more responsive keyboard experience, the BCP may be the better option due to its reduced travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses. Conversely, gamers or users who appreciate a more pronounced, hearty depth may prefer the Swift's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 linear switch is known for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, providing sharp, bright, and percussive audio feedback with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory response while typing. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch features a deeper sound profile, attributed to its full nylon housing, resulting in a brighter yet less clacky sound. The Swift may be better suited for users who prefer a sound that is rich but not overwhelming—a more subdued auditory experience compared to the BCP. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound of either switch can still be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both switches present a creamy typing experience that allows fingers to glide smoothly across the keys. The BCP offers a delightful bouncy quality, providing a spring-like response that enhances the typing experience with both elasticity and liveliness. Similarly, the Swift switch incorporates a bouncy feel, contributing to its light actuation force of 42g, making key presses almost effortless. The Swift also features qualities such as feathery and silky sensations, which encourage a low-impact experience with minimal resistance, particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions. In this aspect, both switches deliver an enjoyable tactile experience, although the Swift leans more toward an easier-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue more effectively during prolonged use.
In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP and HMX Swift linear switches offer differing sound profiles with the BCP being clacky and the Swift being deeper, both switches share similarities in feel, providing a creamy and bouncy experience that enhances typing. The BCP favors a more pronounced auditory feedback, making it suitable for users who enjoy a lively sound while typing, while the Swift caters to those seeking a quieter yet smooth response. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, you can expect an enjoyable typing experience encompassing both satisfying sound and tactile feedback, with the BCP leaning towards a more vibrant auditory experience and the Swift focused on effortless keystrokes.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between Kailh BCP linear switches and HMX Swift linear switches, you should consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-heavy key feel with a satisfying clacky sound profile, the BCP switch is an excellent choice. Its unique creamy and bouncy texture enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for typing tasks that value both auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that facilitates a quick, effortless response, the HMX Swift linear switch may be more suited to your needs. With its lower actuation force and a silky smooth feel, the Swift provides an easy-to-press experience, perfect for those who type or game for extended periods and prioritize comfort. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and whether you relish a heavier, more textured experience or a lighter, more fluid feel.
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