Bsun Avocado vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Avocado and the Durock Ice King Tactile are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that cater to tactile typing enthusiasts. The Avocado is renowned for its refreshing tactile experience, featuring a snappy and responsive bump that transitions smoothly into a buttery downstroke. With a pronounced tactility and mild acoustics, typing on the Avocado provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile takes tactile typing to an art form by blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced bump, offering a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with remarkable finesse. While the Avocado is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own distinct qualities and appeals, making it a matter of personal preference. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Ice King Tactile, it is clear that they both utilize similar materials for their bottom housings with nylon being the chosen material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it a popular choice for switch housings. However, the Avocado's top housing is made of polycarbonate, while the Ice King Tactile's top housing is also made of nylon. This contrast in materials results in the Avocado producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Ice King Tactile, which offers a duller and rounder sound.
One similarity between the Avocado and the Ice King Tactile is the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches will have a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound compared to harder plastics. However, where they differ is in their top housing materials. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisp and clear sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing provides a softer, more absorbing sound. This distinction in top housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in the overall sound produced by the two switches.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing is more influential on the sound when releasing a key. With the Avocado's mix of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, users can expect a mix of sharper and deeper sound profiles. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a more uniform, duller sound profile overall. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 58 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado requires 65 grams, while the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams, making them quite similar in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Avocado, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Ice King Tactile. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, making them suitable for users who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing.
Travel distance
The Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have fairly similar travel distances, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly longer. These travel distances are considered to be on the shorter end of the spectrum, making them ideal for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances for faster reaction times. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Ice King Tactile for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for typing 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 Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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, neutral sound signature, providing a pleasant auditory backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is characterized by its accented tactile bump that offers a satisfying amount of feedback without being overwhelming. It provides a snappy and reactive typing sensation, creating an immersive tactile experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky and frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. It features a unique blend of smoothness and pronounced tactility, creating a satisfying typing feel that minimizes any sense of resistance.
Overall, both the Bsun Avocado and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinctive tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Avocado excels in providing a pronounced and sharp tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, while the Ice King Tactile focuses on offering a silky smooth typing experience with a subdued sound. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced feedback or a smoother typing feel, both switches provide unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the type of tactile experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy, responsive feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Avocado may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a creamy smoothness, a subdued sound profile, and a more polished, frictionless typing experience with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ice King Tactile could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound signature, and overall typing feel.
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