Kailh BCP vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh BCP and the Outemu Yellow Silver present distinct options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative design, which reimagines the classic Black Cherry Pies with custom-molded switches, offering a delightful typing experience characterized by a creamy, elastic feel and a signature poppy sound. This makes it an enticing choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch stands out with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to users who appreciate linear actuation, they offer different tactile sensations and auditory experiences that can influence performance based on personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and Outemu Yellow Silver switches showcase different materials for their top housings, which significantly influence the acoustic properties of each switch. The BCP features a nylon top housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer plastic quality. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for its crispness and clarity. The stiffer polycarbonate not only enhances the sound profile by delivering a sharper and higher-pitched tone but also excels in aesthetic appeal, particularly in RGB lighting applications, given its translucent nature.
While the top housings differ, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to their sound qualities. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties allow for a deeper and fuller acoustic experience when bottoming out, irrespective of the upper housing material. Since both the Kailh BCP and Outemu Yellow Silver utilize nylon at the bottom, the tactile feedback and auditory experience when pressing down on the key will feel quite similar. Thus, the impact of the nylon bottom housing ensures that despite the contrasting top materials, users can still expect a certain level of auditory consistency when interacting with either switch.
In summary, the distinct top housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Outemu Yellow Silver create diverging sound profiles, yet both switches maintain a uniform auditory characteristic when pressed due to their nylon bottom housing. The deep, rich sounds associated with nylon make up a significant aspect of the overall typing experience across both switches. Therefore, while the Kailh BCP may produce a rounder sound due to its nylon top, and the Outemu Yellow Silver may resonate with a crisp clarity from its polycarbonate top, the influence of the nylon bottoms ensures that users will encounter strikingly similar sensations in terms of feedback and bottoming-out acoustics across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh BCP requires an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Outemu Yellow Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users of the BCP switch will experience a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier switch for typing or gaming, whereas the Yellow Silver is ideal for individuals seeking a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the BCP has a heavier 63.5 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. As a result, the BCP switch provides a firmer bottoming out experience, which can enhance tactile feedback, while the Yellow Silver offers a softer landing. Ultimately, the Kailh BCP is the heavier option, delivering a more robust typing experience, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver suits users looking for comfort and ease during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the BCP provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, whereas the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional feel that some users might find more satisfying for typing or gaming. Those who prefer increased responsiveness might gravitate towards the Kailh BCP, while users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may favor the Outemu Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance cater to varying preferences, with the BCP being the shorter option and the Yellow Silver being the longer one.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Kailh BCP linear switch produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that stands out in any typing environment, offering an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice whether used for gaming or typing. This neutral quality ensures that it won't be overly distracting in quieter settings, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. It's essential to consider that the overall sound experience will also depend on the keyboard frame and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP linear switch is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics, delivering a unique tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch provides a sense of responsiveness that many users find enjoyable, making it particularly suitable for tasks requiring precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver emphasizes light actuation force, which contributes to a quick and responsive feel ideal for fast-paced gaming. While the BCP focuses on a more dynamic and plush typing experience, the Yellow Silver prioritizes speed and efficiency, appealing to users who need to execute rapid keystrokes without resistance.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Outemu Yellow Silver switches cater to their respective audiences by accentuating distinct strengths in sound and feel. The BCP excels with its engaging auditory feedback and plush tactile experience, making it appealing for users who value an immersive typing sensation. Conversely, the Yellow Silver stands out for its adaptability and speed, with a neutral sound profile that accommodates various environments. While both switches offer unique benefits, they can still yield satisfying results depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh BCP linear switches and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a slightly heavier key press and enjoy a tactile experience characterized by a creamy, elastic feel and an engaging sound profile, the Kailh BCP is likely the better option for you. This switch’s signature poppy and clacky sound makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience, whether for casual typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation for rapid key presses and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver is an excellent choice. The lower bottom-out force of the Yellow Silver allows for quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers who need precision and speed without the added resistance. Additionally, its versatility makes it suitable for both gaming and typing, especially in environments where you might want to minimize noise. In essence, assess your typing style, gaming habits, and sound preferences to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
