Kailh BCP vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the experience can greatly influence your typing comfort and overall enjoyment. The Kailh BCP switch reimagines the beloved Black Cherry Pie, offering a unique typing feel characterized by its creamy, elastic bounce and a distinctive poppy sound profile. This switch caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile, engaging sensation in their typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a clacky sound while they type. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch elevates the typing experience in more subdued environments. It features innovative stem railings designed to minimize noise while providing a crisp, responsive feel without the typical silicone dampeners found in many silent switches. This makes the WS Silent Linear an excellent choice for professionals who need to minimize sound while maintaining a sense of precision and feedback in their typing. Both switches have unique qualities tailored for different scenarios, allowing you to either embrace an expressive typing experience or maintain a tranquil workspace. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which highlights several similarities between the two. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. As nylon is a softer plastic, it inherently absorbs more sound than harder alternatives, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic signature when these switches are engaged. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience, with sound qualities that resonate well due to the material's inherent characteristics.
While both switches feature nylon in their housings, the implication of this shared material is more nuanced when considering the structure of each switch. If either the top or bottom housings were to differ in material or design, the overall auditory experience would be affected. However, since both the BCP and WS Silent Linear consistently utilize nylon throughout, the qualities of sound absorption and resonance are uniformly reflected in both the downstroke and upstroke of key presses. This congruity ensures that typists experience a consistent acoustic envelope, reinforcing the perception of a cohesive typing feel across the board.
In conclusion, the identical nylon composition for both the top and bottom housings in the Kailh BCP and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches serves to unify their sound profiles and tactile sensations. Users can expect not only a satisfying acoustic result from key presses but also a smooth and muted return sound when releasing keys. This consistency underscores how the interplay of housing materials significantly enhances overall user satisfaction, as the typist benefits from a harmonious blend of both bottom-out feedback and release sound, maximizing the enjoyment of each keystroke in their typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch both feature a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that they provide the same resistance when fully pressed down. However, their actuation forces differ significantly; the BCP has a defined actuation force of 52 grams, while the actuation force for the WS Silent Linear is unknown. This means that the BCP can be considered a lighter option compared to the WS Silent Linear, whose unspecified actuation force could potentially be heavier, depending on the design. The lighter actuation force of the BCP allows for easier keystrokes, which can benefit users who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, if the WS Silent Linear has a higher actuation force, it would appeal more to those who prefer a stronger tactile feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of distance from the top to the bottom in both switches. Consequently, both switches will provide a similar keystroke feel and actuation experience, making them comparable in terms of travel distance. Because they share this same specification, users looking for either switch can expect consistent performance during their typing or gaming sessions.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 switch stands out with a poppy and clacky audio profile that brings a lively essence to typing. This provides an engaging auditory experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate the distinctive sounds mechanical switches can produce. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear focuses on minimizing noise. It embodies a neutral to muted characteristic, providing a softer and quieter typing experience overall. The sound is more subdued, making it particularly well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where maintaining a serene atmosphere is paramount. Overall, while the BCP offers a stimulating auditory feedback, the WS Silent Linear aims for discretion and tranquility.
In terms of feel, the BCP employs a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy touch that makes typing enjoyable and dynamic. This unique tactile experience allows typists to feel a degree of engagement with each key press, as the elasticity enhances the overall responsiveness of the switches. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear provides a mild, gentle typing experience that avoids the extremes of tactile feedback. It sits comfortably in the middle-ground, appealing to users looking for a pleasant and approachable feel without overwhelming sensations. Therefore, while the BCP is more lively and engaging, the WS Silent Linear offers a more subdued yet satisfying touch.
In conclusion, the Kailh BCP and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches cater to different preferences, shaping their respective niches in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The BCP excels in providing an uplifting sound and a unique, bouncy feel, ideal for those who revel in the auditory aspects of typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear emphasizes a quieter environment and a mild touch, making it suitable for professional or shared settings where noise reduction is a priority. Each switch presents its strengths, and the choice between them will ultimately depend on whether a user prioritizes sound dynamics or a discreet typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, you should consider your specific typing environment and preferences. If you’re looking for a more lively and expressive typing experience, the BCP switch may be your best bet. Its unique design provides a creamy, bouncy feel and a poppy sound profile that can be both satisfying and energizing, making it a great choice for gamers or those who thrive on tactile feedback. On the other hand, if your primary concern is maintaining a quieter workspace—perhaps you're working in an office or shared environment—the WS Silent Linear switch is tailored for you. It minimizes noise through innovative engineering without sacrificing responsiveness, providing a muted and subdued sound profile that is still satisfying to type on. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensation or a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
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