Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, and the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch. The Sarokeys BCP is renowned for its creamy and bouncy feel, offering a pleasant typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switches provide gentle tactility in each keystroke, with a fairly muted sound profile suitable for office settings. While the BCP is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Creamy', and 'Clacky', the Mini i is described as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped'. Each switch has its unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you make the best choice for your preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Mini i both feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar acoustic experience when using either switch.
However, while the nylon housing materials of the BCP and Mini i may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound, the overall feel of the switches could vary. The bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. It's possible that subtle differences in the design or construction of the switches could result in variations in the tactile feedback and overall typing experience between the two models.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP and Gateron Mini i share the use of nylon housing materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. While the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, leading to different impacts on sound and feel, the overall typing experience may still be quite similar between the two switches. Users looking for a switch with a softer, more absorbent sound profile may find both the BCP and Mini i to be suitable options.
Weight
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP has a slightly heavier actuation force of 51 grams compared to the Mini i's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the BCP requires 57 grams, while the Mini i needs 50 grams. This makes the BCP switch a bit heavier overall than the Mini i. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Mini i for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sarokeys BCP. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their individual actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The BCP switch would provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, while the Mini i switch may offer a slightly more substantial feel when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding the desired level of responsiveness and depth when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, with a moderate profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level. The BCP will give you a distinct clacky auditory experience, while the Mini i offers a quieter typing experience suitable for office environments.
Moving on to feel, both the BCP and Mini i switches provide a bouncy sensation when typing, with a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. The BCP switch is further described as offering a creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The Mini i switch, on the other hand, is characterized as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mini i offers a mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel, providing a gentle and responsive typing experience suitable for various preferences.
In conclusion, while the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a clacky sound profile and a creamy, bouncy feel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a more neutral sound and a combination of bouncy, easy-to-press, and mild sensations. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the BCP emphasizing a distinctive auditory experience and smooth typing feel, while the Mini i focuses on a balance of tactile feedback and comfortable typing for office settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sarokeys BCP switch is for you. This switch offers a creamy and poppy sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a gentle tactile feel and a muted sound profile, the Gateron Mini i switch is the better option. With its easy-to-press and subtle characteristics, this switch is ideal for office environments or for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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