Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Avocado
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Avocado switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Avocado mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments such as offices, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. Its silent design and 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished' feel make it a great choice for those who prefer pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Avocado switches provide a refreshing tactile experience with a snappy, responsive bump leading into a buttery downstroke. The pronounced tactility and 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy' categorization offer satisfying feedback without overwhelming acoustics, making it a standout choice for those looking for a more dynamic 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Avocado both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Bsun Avocado also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering similar sound characteristics and visual appeal as the Aliaz.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Bsun Avocado utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Avocado elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches will impact the overall typing experience and sound output.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Avocado will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a unique blend of housing materials that influence the sound and tactile feedback during typing. While the Aliaz and Avocado share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches will result in distinct typing experiences. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is on the heavier side while the Avocado is slightly lighter. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a more medium-heavy option. This means that the Aliaz would be better suited for individuals who prefer a heavier key press, while the Avocado would be ideal for those who like a slightly lighter touch. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their distinct actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferences for typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, it is clear that the Aliaz has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Avocado's 3.4 mm. The Aliaz offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Avocado provides a shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Avocado for its faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more hearty and deeper key press may lean towards the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Avocado switches, it is clear that the Aliaz offers a muted typing experience, ideal for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Avocado switches have a mild, neutral sound signature that provides a subtle background noise while typing. Both switches cater to users who prefer a quieter typing experience, ensuring that keystrokes are not disruptive to those around them.
Moving on to the feel of the two switches, the Aliaz is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. In comparison, the Avocado switches are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile bump that is satisfying without being overwhelming. Both switches deliver a tactile typing experience that enhances the overall feel of each keystroke, catering to users who appreciate feedback and responsiveness in their switches.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Avocado switches both cater to users who prefer a tactile typing experience in a quieter setting, they offer slightly different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switches provide a medium-heavy weight feel with a muted sound signature, while the Avocado switches offer a buttery downstroke with pronounced tactility and a mild sound profile. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, with subtle differences in sound and feel to cater to their personal preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your preferences for typing feedback. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a substantial feel with muted sound, the Aliaz may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a refreshing tactile experience with pronounced feedback, a snappy bump, and a buttery downstroke, the Avocado could be the ideal fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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