Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for enthusiasts are the BsUn Avocado and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The BsUn Avocado switch offers a tactile typing experience, with a snappy, responsive bump and a buttery downstroke that provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a unique sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Avocado switch is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Ink Box Black switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
60g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Ink Box Black switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a slightly high-pitched and clacky sound that is not overly sharp. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound profile, the Avocado's polycarbonate may offer a sharper sound compared to the Ink Box Black's proprietary blend.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Avocado utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. Conversely, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a similar high-pitched sound profile to its top housing. Both materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon providing a more muffled sound compared to the INK blend's clacky sound. Overall, while the Avocado's nylon bottom housing may offer a fuller sound experience, the Ink Box Black's blend provides a unique and satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the choice of housing materials for the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Ink Box Black switches greatly influences their sound profiles. While the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black's INK blend offers a unique clacky sound that is not overly sharp. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Avocado results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black provides a high-pitched typing experience. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, offering users a variety of options based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that the Avocado is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Ink Box Black at 60 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Avocado at 65 grams and the Ink Box Black at 70 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. The Avocado provides a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ink Box Black's heavier actuation force may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking fast response times. The Avocado has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick and precise key presses. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth and tactile feedback for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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, neutral sound signature that provides a pleasant background to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. The choice of sound will ultimately depend on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the BSUN Avocado switch is characterized by its accentuated tactility, invigorating feedback, sharp tactile bump, and overall snappy and responsive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for its silky smoothness and polished finish, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Again, the preferred feel will vary depending on individual typing preferences.
In conclusion, the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, the Avocado switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and it's essential to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying bump and a buttery downstroke, the BSUN Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. It offers pronounced feedback without being overwhelming and has a neutral sound signature, providing a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy linear switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
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