Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Avocado tactile switch offers a satisfyingly crisp and responsive typing experience, characterized by a pronounced tactile bump and a buttery downstroke. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch boasts a smoother and quieter typing journey with its nylon housing and factory lube job, providing a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel due to its unique spring design. While the Avocado switch focuses on accentuated tactility and neutral acoustics, the CM switch prioritizes smoothness and a rich, bassy sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for a tactile feedback or a silky smooth 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
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
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and Gateron CM switches both utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This common material choice for the bottom housing in both switches leads to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, the Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, while the CM uses a nylon top housing. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the CM's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Avocado. This difference in top housing material demonstrates how the choice of material can impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. While both the Avocado and CM switches may have nylon bottom housings, the difference in their top housings results in distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch both fall within the medium-heavy category. The Avocado has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the CM's 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Avocado has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the CM's 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite these differences, both switches provide a similar level of feedback and responsiveness, ensuring comparable results regardless of the force variations. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron CM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Avocado tactile switch. The difference is minimal, but it could potentially impact the typing or gaming experience for some individuals. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a slightly shorter distance with the Avocado or a slightly longer distance with the CM.
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 Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Avocado switch is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, creating a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched tone. This can provide a more robust auditory feedback during key presses, enhancing the overall typing immersion. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps chosen, so your personal preferences and setup will play a role in the final sound result.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is highlighted by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a snappy and responsive typing sensation without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch boasts a buttery, polished, and creamy feel, providing a smooth and frictionless keystroke experience that feels effortless and refined. Both switches aim to elevate the typing experience with their distinct tactile or linear characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for feedback intensity and keypress smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Avocado excels in providing a tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, accompanied by a mild sound signature. On the other hand, the CM stands out for its linear smoothness, rich sound profile, and effortless key travel, thanks to its nylon housing and factory lube job. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with subtle sound or a linear typing sensation with a deeper and more resonant acoustics. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a snappy and responsive feel, along with a mild and neutral sound signature, the Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and bouncier typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, along with a full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, the CM linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider how you value tactility, sound, and overall typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences.
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