Kailh BCP vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, as different switches cater to varying typing styles and experiences. The Kailh BCP switch stands out with its reimagined design inspired by the iconic Black Cherry Pies, providing a creamy, elastic feel that delivers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile during typing. This tactile feedback makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are renowned for their incredibly light actuation force, providing a gentle and effortless touch with a deep, rounded sound profile that can enhance comfort during prolonged typing sessions. While the BCP is ideal for users who appreciate enhanced tactile feedback, the Yunhai excels for those who prioritize ease of use and a softer keystroke. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and TTC Yunhai switches exhibit remarkable similarities, particularly in their choice of housing materials. Both switches feature nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This common choice ensures that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's inherent properties, characterized as a softer plastic compared to alternatives, contribute to a certain acoustic quality; it absorbs sounds more effectively and results in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Therefore, both switches will provide a consistent auditory signature that emphasizes a more muted and robust sound when in use.
Despite the use of identical materials, the overall tactile and auditory experience of each switch may still differ due to other factors such as design, stem characteristics, or spring configurations that are not related strictly to housing material. The relationship between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role here; while the softer nylon does dampen sound and contributes to a smooth typing experience, any variations in design—whether in stem or actuation mechanism—can subtly influence how that nylon material interacts with user input. This indicates that while the switches share the nylon advantage, their unique constructions may still yield different typing sensations.
Ultimately, when typing on either the Kailh BCP or TTC Yunhai, users can similarly expect a cohesive sound profile due to their shared nylon housing materials. The combination of nylon absorbing noise effectively creates a typing environment that emphasizes a deep and rounded sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback loop. Therefore, even if the experience slightly varies due to structural elements beyond the material itself, the fundamental characteristic of sound dampening and the overall typing experience remains consistent across both switches, appealing to those who appreciate the nuances of tactile feedback and auditory response in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh BCP features a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who appreciate a gentler touch, which can be advantageous for extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Kailh BCP is the heavier option, while the TTC Yunhai is the lighter switch, allowing users to make a choice based on their preferred typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the BCP offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the BCP switch provides a quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Yunhai, with its longer travel distance, may deliver a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper press. While both switches advocate for different user preferences, the BCP could be ideal for those valuing speed and responsiveness, whereas the Yunhai could cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 produces a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that gives it a lively and engaging auditory character. This makes it great for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback, which can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deep, rounded sound profile, which tends to be more subdued and calming, creating an atmosphere that can be appealing for long typing sessions. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard construction and the keycap material chosen.
When it comes to feel, the BCP switch is characterized by a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, providing a unique tactile experience that can make typing feel both fun and dynamic. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features an incredibly light actuation force, resulting in a gentle and effortless feel for the typist. This difference caters to various user preferences, where some may favor the energetic response of the BCP, while others might appreciate the ease of use that the Yunhai offers.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and TTC Yunhai linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different types of users. The BCP's poppy and clacky sound, combined with its elastic feel, creates a lively typing environment, while the Yunhai's deep sound and light actuation force offer a more subdued and comfortable experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference, as each brings a unique set of qualities that can significantly enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a sturdier feel and enjoy typing with a bit more resistance, the BCP's 63.5 grams bottom-out force may be ideal for you. This switch is well-suited for those who favor a bouncy, elastic feedback, and appreciate a poppy and clacky sound profile that reinforces typographic flair in your typing experience. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter touch and want to minimize the effort required during extended typing sessions, the TTC Yunhai's 50-gram bottom-out force provides a gentle, effortless actuation that caters to lighter typists. Its deep, rounded sound profile can add a unique auditory layer to your typing experience without the aggressive feedback of heavier switches. In the end, consider your tactile preferences and how each switch's characteristics align with your specific typing needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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