Kailh BCP vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provide distinct experiences for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, and elastic feel, redefining the classic Black Cherry Pie switch with custom-molded technology that eliminates the need for disassembly. This switch offers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that can enhance the tactile sensation of each keystroke, making it a favorite among those who appreciate auditory feedback. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue delivers a deep, thocky sound that creates a satisfying typing experience, along with a lengthened single-stage spring for a bouncy feel. With its balanced, standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue appeals to a wider audience by providing an enjoyable and accessible typing experience. Both switches have their unique strengths: the Kailh BCP for its remarkable sound and tactile feedback, and the Tourmaline Blue for its universally pleasing performance. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue, one immediately notices the distinction in their chosen plastics: the BCP utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Tourmaline Blue features polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic makes switches with nylon housings particularly appealing to those who favor a muted, rounder sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Tourmaline Blue yields a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, which allows for a more resonant sound when the key is released. This fundamental difference in material directly affects the typing experience in terms of the auditory feedback and overall acoustic character.
The impact of the materials is not just limited to the sound profile but is also felt in the overall feel of the switches. With the BCP’s nylon bottom housing, the deeper sound and plush feel contribute to a softer bottom-out experience, which many users might find more comfortable during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue promotes a more pronounced impact and clarity when bottoming out, creating a more tactile and engaging experience for users who prefer a sharper feedback. Thus, while both switches may commendably cater to different user preferences, they provide contrasting experiences through their unique material choices.
However, despite these differences, there is a similarity in that both switches effectively fulfill their functional roles in key performance. Since they both employ differing materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall aural and tactile experiences can be seen as complementary. A user who appreciates the rounded sound and feel of the BCP can reproduce some of the same qualities by focusing on the nylon housing in both sections of the switch. Conversely, those who gravitate towards the crisper feedback of the Tourmaline Blue may find a similar effect by leveraging its polycarbonate material throughout. Ultimately, while the materials yield different results during use, one can achieve satisfying performance characteristics aligned with personal preferences through the appropriate use and selection of key switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, both options exhibit medium-heavy characteristics; however, they differ 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, while the Tourmaline Blue features a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Kailh BCP the lighter of the two, which may appeal to users seeking a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the heavier push feel of the Tourmaline Blue may be favored by those preferring a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches serve the medium-heavy category, the BCP offers a lighter option, whereas the Tourmaline Blue provides a firmer feedback at both the actuation and bottom out stages.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the BCP offers a shorter travel distance, which can cater to those seeking quicker response times, making it an attractive choice for gamers. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer 4.0 mm travel, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a deeper typing experience.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 notably characterized by its signature poppy and clacky auditory profile, offering an engaging and dynamic acoustic experience that can elevate the sensation of typing. This lively sound is likely to resonate well with users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents a deep and thocky sound, creating a more subdued yet satisfying auditory atmosphere. This makes the Tourmaline Blue suitable for a broader range of environments, where a balanced and moderate sound profile can cater to both casual and professional settings. While both switches deliver distinct sound qualities, personal preferences and contextual usage will ultimately dictate the best choice.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch delivers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy typing experience, emphasizing a tactile engagement that users may find enjoyable. This unique combination creates a pronounced sensation with each key press, adding to the overall immersion while typing. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery, smooth, and easy-to-press feel. The lengthened single-stage spring enhances the bouncy action while requiring minimal resistance, making key presses effortless and comfortable. The Tourmaline Blue is designed to provide a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a wide range of users, ensuring that comfort does not come at the expense of responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are designed to provide distinctive experiences in terms of sound and feel, catering to various user preferences. The BCP stands out with its lively poppy and clacky sound, paired with a creamy and bouncy feel, while the Tourmaline Blue excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound with a smooth and easy-to-press action. Ultimately, your choice would hinge on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience or a smooth, accessible typing sensation, both of which have their advantages depending on the context of use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a unique tactile experience with a lively, poppy sound profile, the BCP may be your best bet. Its creamy and elastic feel, coupled with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, makes it suitable for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience without excessive strain. This could be ideal for gamers or typists who crave a switch that adds some character to their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and butter-like typing experience with a deep thocky sound that enhances your overall immersion, the Tourmaline Blue would be a fantastic choice. With a bottom-out force of 67 grams and a more neutral, mild feel, these switches cater to a wide range of users—making them particularly appealing for both casual typists and professionals seeking comfort during long typing sessions. In essence, let your typing style and sound preferences guide your decision, as both switches provide their own unique advantages that can transform your keyboard experience.
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