Kailh BCP vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for debate are the Kailh BCP and the Bsun Taichi, both linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Kailh BCP stands out for its innovative design, taking inspiration from the iconic Black Cherry Pies. These switches offer a creamy, viscous feel with a bouncy texture, providing a delightful typing experience alongside a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi boasts a long-pole stem, extended springs, and a walled design, resulting in an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound that delivers smoothness and stability with each keystroke. While the BCP is favored for its engaging audio signature and tactile feedback, the Taichi excels in providing a seamless, stable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preferences and typing habits.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and Bsun Taichi switches prominently feature differing materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic properties. The BCP's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material known for its softer, more absorbent characteristics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon effectively dampens vibrations, creating a more muted experience. In contrast, the Taichi employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its stiffness and translucence. Consequently, the Taichi switch delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, enhancing the clarity and adding a resonant quality that is particularly effective for RGB lighting. The distinct material choices reflect different design philosophies, with the BCP favoring warmth and richness while the Taichi leans towards brightness and visibility.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, mirroring each other's approach in this regard. This shared characteristic means that while their top housings produce differing sound profiles, the bottom housings contribute similarly to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. When pressed, both switches will provide consistent feedback in terms of tactile response and sound dampening thanks to the nylon's inherent properties. This unity in the bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a certain consistency in the feel and base sound profile when bottoming out, regardless of the tonal variation introduced by the top housing.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities in housing materials between the Kailh BCP and Bsun Taichi result in unique user experiences. The contrasting top materials lead to divergent sound profiles, where the BCP caters to those who prefer a muted, cushioned typing experience, and the Taichi appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ties the two designs together, creating a balanced foundation that underpins their performances. Thus, while each switch offers its own character, the nylon bottoms in both models provide a comforting similarity that may resonate with users who appreciate tactile and acoustic consistency.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, notable differences emerge. The BCP switch requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press down, though the bottom out force for this switch remains unknown. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the heavier BCP switch could attract those who favor a more substantial tactile feel, enhancing the experience of each keystroke. Without the bottom out force for the Taichi switch, a direct comparison cannot be made regarding how the two switches feel when fully pressed down, but the BCP's known heavier push could indicate more resistance overall. Therefore, users looking for a lighter option should consider the Bsun Taichi switch, while those seeking a heftier typing experience may gravitate toward the Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taichi offers a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the BCP is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times due to its less abrupt actuation. On the other hand, the Taichi's travel distance leans towards a more traditional experience, providing a deeper feel that some users may prefer for its feedback and overall comfort. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice, whereas if you favor a more substantial keystroke, the Bsun Taichi would be more suitable.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by a poppy and clacky audio profile, reminiscent of its Black Cherry Pie origins, which can provide an engaging auditory feedback during use. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch delivers a high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and specially crafted components. Both sound profiles contribute to a unique experience when typing, though the clacky nature of the BCP contrasts with the more melodious high-pitched notes of the Taichi. Keep in mind that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Kailh BCP is noted for its creamy, viscous, and elastic characteristics, allowing for a bouncy experience that can feel quite satisfying during typing sessions. The tactile sensation is enhanced, offering a distinct response that makes it enjoyable for users who appreciate a little feedback. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is designed with a focus on unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to its extended springs and walled stems. This design results in a fluid typing experience that may lack the bounce of the BCP but compensates with its consistent and smooth keystrokes.
Overall, both switches present unique qualities that appeal to different preferences in sound and feel. The Kailh BCP offers a poppy audio experience coupled with a bouncy tactile feedback, while the Bsun Taichi switch provides a high-pitched sound and remarkable smoothness. Depending on what aspects of these switches are more important to you, you can expect different typing experiences, even if the general linear switch characteristics remain similar. As you explore mechanical keyboards, trying out both switches could give you valuable insight into your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you prefer a switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a unique, poppy, and clacky sound profile, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice for you. Its creamy and bouncy feel can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and stable action coupled with a high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi switch is likely to be more appealing. Its long-pole stem and extended springs might suit you well if you seek a seamless typing experience. By considering your priorities in terms of force, feel, and sound, you can select the switch that will best elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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