Bsun Avocado vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and Durock Black Lotus offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Avocado is celebrated for its tactile nature, delivering a satisfying bump and buttery downstroke that is not overwhelming, accompanied by a mild, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Black Lotus stands out for its smooth linear action, reduced wobble, and a substantial 55g actuation weight, with the added bonus of a removable light column for in-switch lighting. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and the Durock Black Lotus both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, while the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend housing offers a unique and premium feel. The use of polycarbonate in both switches contributes to a higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, but the visual aesthetics differ between the two switches.
In terms of their bottom housing material, both the Avocado and the Black Lotus utilize nylon, which enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality. The nylon bottom housing in both switches plays a significant role in the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
While the Avocado and Black Lotus share similarities in their bottom housing material, the differences in their top housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles. The split in housing materials allows for a balance between impact and overall sound quality when typing on these switches. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound upon key release, while the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend housing adds a premium feel to the typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Durock Black Lotus is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Despite the differences in force, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Avocado may appeal to those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions, while the heavier forces of the Black Lotus may be favored by those seeking a more pronounced push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Durock Black Lotus linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Black Lotus with a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Bsun Avocado switch is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing a pleasant background noise to typing, while the Durock Black Lotus switch's sound is not specified. This difference may be attributed to the design and materials used in each switch, as well as the user's keyboard and keycap setup which can impact the overall sound produced.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Avocado switch offers a tactile experience that is accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with reduced friction and a refined finish. These qualities suggest that while the Avocado switch focuses more on pronounced and sharp tactility, the Black Lotus switch prioritizes smoothness and a luxurious typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. While the Avocado switch provides a lively and feedback-rich typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Black Lotus switch stands out for its silky smooth feel and sleek, polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for either pronounced tactility or smoothness in their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a snappy and invigorating feel, the Avocado switch with its pronounced feedback and medium-heavy bottom out force may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced wobble and a lighter actuation weight, the Black Lotus switch with its unique light column for in-switch lighting may suit your preferences better. Consider your sound preferences and whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother keystroke when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and it is up to you to choose the one that best fits your typing needs.
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