Bsun Avocado vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and the KTT Darling offer distinct typing experiences. The Bsun Avocado is a tactile switch known for its satisfying bump and buttery downstroke, providing a responsive and tactile typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds springy responsiveness to each keystroke. While the Avocado presents a neutral sound signature, the Darling produces a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, blending tactile and auditory feedback. Depending on your preference for a pronounced tactile bump or a more bouncy and clacky typing experience, you may lean towards the Avocado or the Darling. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the KTT Darling share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, both creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially enhancing the sound output when RGB lighting is incorporated. However, while the Avocado and Darling both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they diverge in their bottom housing material. The Avocado features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. In contrast, the Darling also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the Avocado.
In terms of the housing materials, the Avocado and the Darling exhibit differences when it comes to the bottom housing. Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's soft nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that typing on either the Avocado or the Darling elicits a consistent sound experience, with the nylon contributing to the overall auditory feedback of the switches. Ultimately, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of both switches, offering a unique typing experience for users.
Despite sharing similarities in their top housing material, the Avocado and the Darling differ in their bottom housing materials, with both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the overall typing experience for users. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing split between the bottom and top of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. As a result, both the Avocado and the Darling offer distinctive sound profiles attributed to their housing materials, providing users with a nuanced typing experience based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housings.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Avocado has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. The Avocado's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the Darling's lighter bottom out force may be preferable for those who type for longer periods and need a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch have very similar travel distances, with the Avocado at 3.4 mm and the Darling at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these shorter travel distances for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Avocado or the Darling will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 offers a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch produces a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, offering a more engaging auditory feedback. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Avocado may be more suitable, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced sound, the Darling would be a better choice.
When it comes to the feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump that is not overwhelming. Its snappy and responsive feel creates an immersive typing sensation for users. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch provides a bouncy sensation, adding a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. The chewy and substantial feel of the Darling switch may appeal to those who prefer a more dynamic typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado and KTT Darling switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a subtler sound profile, the Avocado may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy feel and a resonant sound, the Darling could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Avocado tactile switch or the KTT Darling linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and buttery downstroke, along with a mild and neutral sound signature, the Avocado may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, paired with a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, the Darling could be more to your liking. Consider your preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing feel when making your decision between these two unique switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what typing experience resonates with you the most.
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