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Bsun Akashi vs. Bsun Avocado

An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Avocado switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, and the Bsun Avocado, a tactile switch. The Akashi is well-known for its unique design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, offering a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Avocado is praised for its snappy and responsive bump, leading to a buttery downstroke that provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. Its mild and neutral sound signature complements the tactile experience it offers. While the Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', the Avocado is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Sharp'. Each switch has its unique qualities, so understanding your preferences and typing style is crucial in making the best choice for your needs. 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

37g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

43g

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.20 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

UPE

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

22mm single-stage extended spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Bsun Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Bsun Avocado has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of different materials for the top housing gives each switch a unique sound characteristic. In terms of aesthetics, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing is more suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the Akashi's POM top housing does not offer the same visually appealing feature.

Both the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Avocado have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This shared material for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing showcases the classic switch housing material that provides a unique typing experience with a focus on sound quality.

In terms of overall sound profile and typing experience, the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Avocado offer distinct differences due to their choice of housing materials. The split design of having different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the deeper and muted sound of the Akashi with its POM top housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Avocado with its polycarbonate top housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, one significant difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Avocado has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Akashi provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Avocado, which requires more force to press down fully. Some users may prefer the Akashi for its lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, while others may appreciate the more substantial feel of the Avocado for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Akashi offering a lighter touch and the Avocado providing a heavier feel.

Travel distance

The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Avocado. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular in modern keyboards, particularly among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Akashi would offer a bit more depth in key press feeling, while the Avocado might feel more abrupt but provide quicker response. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance, offering a balance between key press depth and quick responsiveness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.

The Bsun Avocado has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Avocado for $4.00.

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 Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky nature, producing sharp and snappy sounds with each press, offering a crisp and bright bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is described as having a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle backdrop to the typing experience. The Avocado's sound is not overwhelming, allowing the tactile sensations to take the forefront without dominating the auditory experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can be enhanced further by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is noted for providing a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with a polished finish that allows for smooth key travel. The switch offers a silky sensation, making keystrokes feel effortless and fluid. In contrast, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. The sharp tactile bump of the Avocado provides a distinct typing sensation that is firm yet not overwhelming. Both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback while ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch offer distinct experiences for users. The Akashi excels in its clacky and creamy characteristics, providing bright sounds and smooth keystrokes, while the Avocado stands out with its pronounced tactility and neutral sound profile. Whether you prefer a resonant linear switch or a tactile switch with a snappy bump, both options deliver unique sensations that can elevate your typing experience based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, choosing between the Akashi and Avocado switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the BSUN Avocado tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique sound experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out, the Akashi linear switch may be the best choice for you. The Akashi offers a smooth and resonant typing experience with creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel descriptors. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a snappy and responsive bump leading into a buttery downstroke, the Avocado tactile switch might be more suitable for you. The Avocado provides a refreshing tactile experience with accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel descriptors. Ultimately, your choice between the Akashi and Avocado switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feedback.

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