Kailh BCP vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Kailh BCP, renowned for its innovative design, boasts a bouncy and elastic feel combined with a creamy texture, resulting in a distinctive poppy and clacky sound with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for users seeking a joyful typing experience without the hassle of disassembly. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel, crafted by BSUN, provides a delectably chewy feel that envelops the fingertips, paired with a bright and pronounced clacky sound profile at the bottom of each key press. While both switches inhabit the linear category and promise a smooth actuation, they diverge in sensory feedback and auditory experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a more cushioned and elastic feel or a pronounced resonant sound, either option could elevate your typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the PH Studio Yoel utilize different materials for their respective top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles when typing. The BCP features a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs vibrations more effectively, resulting in a sound that feels rounded and somewhat muted. In contrast, the Yoel employs a polycarbonate top housing. Known for its rigidity, polycarbonate generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing clarity and resonance. This not only influences the auditory experience but also enhances the aesthetic appeal for those who prefer RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucent nature.
Both switches exhibit significant differences in their bottom housing materials as well. The BCP continues with nylon, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing and contributing to the same deep and muted sound profile. The Yoel, however, utilizes a POM bottom housing, which offers a unique sound that lies on the deeper side but still retains a certain muted quality. The combination of POM's properties with the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel results in a distinct auditory experience that is both unique and defined by its clarity, contrasting with the cohesive, fuller sound found in the BCP, which pairs its nylon top and bottom housings.
In terms of overall typing experience and sound, the differences in housing materials lead to unique sensory feedback that can appeal to different user preferences. The BCP’s consistency in housing materials promotes a more cohesive sound profile, making the experience feel rounded and richer across both the key press and release. On the other hand, the Yoel’s combination of polycarbonate and POM allows for a more nuanced experience, where the clarity of the top housing contrasts with the muted qualities of the bottom. While each switch delivers distinct results due to its materials, individuals can still find enjoyment in both; the BCP for its deeper, fuller sound and the Yoel for its sharper, more vibrant auditory feedback when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are notable differences 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, which gives it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Yoel switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams but has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that while the BCP requires slightly less effort to activate, it feels firmer at the bottom when fully pressed down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the BCP more appealing for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Yoel offers a slightly more substantial feeling without being excessively heavy. Overall, the BCP is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Yoel's heavier actuation provides a bit more resistance without the heaviness felt at the bottom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The BCP switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Yoel switch a more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking quick response times, whereas the Kailh BCP provides a fuller pressing experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. If you favor a brisker action, the Yoel switch would be the better choice; however, if you lean towards a more substantial depth, the Kailh BCP would likely suit you better. Thus, while both switches are designed for linear feedback, their differing travel distances cater to different preferences in feel and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, both the Kailh BCP and the PH Studio Yoel switches feature a noticeably bright and clacky profile, making them appealing for those who enjoy an auditory feedback while typing. The BCP’s sound is characterized by a signature poppy element, providing an engaging auditory experience. Similarly, the Yoel’s bright and clacky presentation boasts a high-pitched resonance that not only stands out but also creates a satisfying auditory impact upon bottoming out. Both switches, therefore, provide a crisp and percussive sound that can be quite satisfying to hear, especially with the right keycap and board combinations, leading to a lively typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switch is designed to offer a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy experience, giving a unique tactile quality that distinguishes it from traditional switches. This engaging feel allows for a dynamic typing experience that can be both enjoyable and less strenuous over long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is celebrated for its delectably chewy character, providing an equally pleasurable experience with its silky, polished surface. The combination of smooth keystrokes alongside the bounciness of the BCP's design makes them both appealing in their own right, ensuring users benefit from a smooth but tactile typing sensation regardless of their choice.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and the PH Studio Yoel switches deliver compelling auditory and tactile experiences, albeit with slightly different nuances. The shared characteristics of their bright and clacky sound profiles cater to those who enjoy auditory feedback, while their unique feel—creamy with a bounce for the BCP and chewy with a silky finish for the Yoel—ensures that users can enjoy a smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preference, both switches can provide a satisfying combination of sound and feel that resonates within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a slightly heavier key feel and enjoy a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile that brings a playful excitement to your typing experience, the Kailh BCP would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance tactile feedback, especially for those who frequently type or game for extended periods. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more medium-weight feel and appreciate a delectably chewy typing experience, the PH Studio Yoel is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams and a bright, resonant sound, it delivers a smooth yet pronounced auditory feedback that many find enjoyable. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your priorities in sound and feel; whether you prefer the bouncy, creamy experience of the BCP or the silky, polished essence of the Yoel, both switches promise satisfying performance and unique characteristics tailored to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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