Bsun Avocado vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and the Outemu Crystal, one can immediately see the key differences in their tactile feel and sound profiles. The BSUN Avocado is celebrated for its tactile experience, offering a snappy and responsive bump that transitions into a smooth downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal is known for its unique linear typing experience, featuring a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight that results in a different kind of typing sensation. While the Avocado boasts a mild and neutral sound signature, the Crystal presents a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 the Outemu Crystal share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of both switches.
However, where the Avocado and the Crystal differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Avocado features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal. This variation in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice of housing material in a switch, whether polycarbonate or nylon, plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch. While both the Avocado and the Crystal benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper tone compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users determine which switch aligns best with their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado is heavier at 65 grams, while the Crystal is lighter at 55 grams. This means that the Avocado offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Crystal provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is clear that the Avocado has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers looking for fast reaction speeds. On the other hand, the Crystal's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial press, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or extended use. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, with the Avocado catering to those seeking speed, and the Crystal appealing to users looking for a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing experience.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 offers a mild and neutral sound signature, creating a subtle background noise during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as having a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, adding a unique acoustic element to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a snappy and responsive feel, offering a satisfying typing sensation without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide distinct tactile and typing experiences, catering to different preferences in feedback and sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer contrasting qualities in both sound and feel. While the Avocado switch provides pronounced tactility with a mild sound profile, the Crystal switch presents a unique chirpy sound with a polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for feedback and sound, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective tactile and linear categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and satisfying feedback, accompanied by a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Avocado would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, along with a unique elastic feel, the Crystal switch may be more to your liking. Consider the sound profile and feel that best suits your typing style and preferences before making your decision. Remember, the ultimate choice is yours, based on what enhances your overall typing experience.
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