Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and Gateron Ink Red offer unique typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The BSUN Avocado stands out for its tactile nature, providing a satisfying bump and buttery downstroke that ensures a feedback-rich typing session, accompanied by a mild and unobtrusive sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red offers a linear switch with a lighter actuation force, guaranteeing a smooth and effortless typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a tactile or linear feel, but 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
60g
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
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Ink Red, it is clear that both switches feature unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Avocado utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Red boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both top housings aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for users, the Avocado's polycarbonate material is known for its translucent quality, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the INK blend offers a different tone despite similarities in pitch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Avocado employs a nylon material that enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper profile of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, contributing to a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Both bottom housings aim to provide users with a unique typing experience, with the Avocado focusing on a deeper sound while the Ink Red offers a thinner and clackier tone.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact within each switch, it becomes apparent that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite differences in materials and sound profiles between the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Ink Red, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound experience.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, the Avocado has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams, making the Avocado slightly heavier overall. The Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Ink Red offers a lighter feel that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have a medium actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ink Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Avocado switch. The shorter travel distance of the Avocado switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may provide a more substantial keypress experience for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 profile, providing a subtle backdrop to a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as having a chirpy sound signature, adding a unique acoustic element to the typing process. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on individual preferences and setup configurations.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation. It provides a moderate to firm actuation force, ensuring a tactile experience without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as silky and polished, focusing on providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. With minimal resistance and smooth key travel, the Ink Red switch offers a gentle and approachable feel that is effortless to type on.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado switch delivers a pronounced tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile, making it a refreshing choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a smooth and polished feel with a chirpy sound signature, catering to individuals with a lighter typing style. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and selecting between them would depend on personal preference for tactility and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Avocado tactile switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a pronounced feedback, snappy bump, and moderate to firm actuation force, then the Avocado would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lower actuation force and crispy sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Red would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility and sound profile.
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