Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Ink Box Pink stand out as popular options. The Bsun Avocado offers a tactile experience with a responsive bump that leads to a smooth downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink boasts a sleek, linear design that offers a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound. While the Avocado is characterized as accented and sharp, the Ink Box Pink is labeled as clacky and polished. Both switches have their unique appeal, catering to different preferences in typing sensation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both offer unique qualities that can affect the sound and feel of the switch. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that is not overly sharp. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, resulting in a more resonant sound, whereas the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also provides a high-pitched and clacky sound, mirroring the qualities of the top housing. The split between the two housing materials allows for a unique sound experience when typing on these switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
In summary, the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Ink Box Pink offer different housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. While the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In comparison, the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top and bottom housings both deliver a high-pitched and clacky sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper and clearer sound of the Avocado or the thinner and clacky sound of the Ink Box Pink for their typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch's 50 grams. However, the Avocado has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Avocado will require a lighter initial press to register a keystroke, but will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly heavier bottom out feel without as much of a difference in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of the key press.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Avocado. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick and responsive keystrokes. Gamers may prefer the Avocado for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Ink Box Pink for its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a balance between quick key actuation and tactile feedback, making them suitable options for different preferences.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Avocado switch offers a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle backdrop to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, adding a sharper and more percussive element to your typing sessions. Depending on your preference, you can choose between the smoother and quieter sound of the Avocado or the more pronounced and lively sound of the Ink Box Pink.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This creates a satisfying typing sensation with a moderate actuation force and impeccable responsiveness. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth key travel with reduced friction. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and responsive feel, the Avocado would be the ideal choice, while the Ink Box Pink offers a smoother and more refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile switch with a snappy and pronounced feedback, along with a mild and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch caters to individuals who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and pronounced tactility, the Bsun Avocado switch would be a great choice. It offers a satisfying and invigorating typing experience with a snappy bump and buttery downstroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and smoother switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be more suitable. It offers a smooth and silky typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your preference for tactility and sound profile.