Bsun Avocado vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and Kailh Box Royal stand out as top contenders in the tactile switch category. The BSUN Avocado switches are praised for their refreshing tactile experience, featuring a snappy and responsive bump followed by a smooth downstroke. The tactility is pronounced yet not overwhelming, offering satisfying feedback with a mild and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switches are renowned for their sharp and binary tactility, providing an almost aggressive feedback for those who crave a high level of tactile response. The sound profile of the Box Royals is relatively higher pitched compared to the Avocado switches. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and Kailh Box Royal switches have some key differences. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Box Royal has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in material between the top housings of the two switches leads to distinct sound profiles when typing.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile for both the Avocado and the Box Royal switches. While the top housing materials may vary between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect comparable results when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Box Royal's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profile, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that best suit their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch to the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it can be seen that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke activation. However, the Avocado has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making the Box Royal slightly heavier in terms of the force required to completely press the key down. This slight difference may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Box Royal compared to the Avocado. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions, the Avocado may be the better choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback may find the Box Royal to be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. If you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Kailh Box Royal may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a shorter and more responsive keypress, the Bsun Avocado may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, so the typing experience will be fairly similar in terms of overall key travel.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Bsun Avocado tactile switch is often described as having a mild, neutral sound signature that complements its tactile experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Avocado provides a quieter, more subdued sound compared to the Box Royal.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is frequently described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile experience that is satisfying without being overwhelming. The Box Royal tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp tactility, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches offer a tactile response that can make typing more engaging and tactile, but the Avocado may appeal to those looking for a tactile switch that is not as aggressive as the Box Royal.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado and Kailh Box Royal tactile switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Avocado provides a refreshingly tactile and buttery typing experience with a mild sound profile, while the Box Royal delivers a more aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound. Depending on whether you prefer a more subdued or intense tactile feedback, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a more pronounced but smooth tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a mild and neutral sound profile, the Avocado switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you crave an extremely sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a slightly higher pitched sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom out force, then the Box Royal switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the typing experience you desire, the level of tactility you prefer, and the sound profile that best suits your preferences before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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