Bsun Avocado vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and the BSUN Kiki Red offer distinct typing experiences. The Avocado is a tactile switch that is characterized by its pronounced tactility, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Kiki Red is a linear switch that offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance. While the Avocado is best known for its sharp and snappy feel, the Kiki Red is celebrated for its creamy and polished actuation. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, the Avocado may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you appreciate a smooth and clacky typing experience with medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red could be the better choice. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Bsun Kiki Red play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the Avocado leans towards a brighter sound, while the POM in the Kiki Red delivers a richer and deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Avocado utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound overall. Similarly, the Kiki Red also features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the deep and somewhat muted sound profile of the switch. Both switches benefit from the sound-enhancing properties of their respective bottom housing materials, with nylon emphasizing a fuller sound and POM adding depth and richness to the overall sound experience.
While the Avocado and Kiki Red have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound profile for users to enjoy, with the Avocado offering a crisper and sharper sound and the Kiki Red delivering a deeper and more muted tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Avocado has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Kiki Red. The Avocado requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Kiki Red only needs 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a lighter switch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Avocado would be the more suitable option due to its heavier forces. However, individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel may find the Kiki Red more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Avocado offering a heavier touch and the Kiki Red providing a lighter and smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking quicker response times. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for this reason. The Avocado offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may offer a more gradual key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 is described as having a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for its clacky nuance, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, without being excessively loud. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is characterized by its accentuated and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump provides distinct feedback with each keypress, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a silky sensation. The light actuation force contributes to an effortless and comfortable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Comparing the two switches, the Bsun Avocado offers a pronounced tactile bump with moderate actuation force, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red provides a smooth and polished typing experience with a clacky sound signature and a medium-light actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, allowing users to customize their mechanical keyboard setup based on their individual preferences for performance and aesthetics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a tactile switch with a pronounced bump, satisfying feedback, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Avocado is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, clacky switch with a lighter bottom out force and a balanced typing experience, the Kiki Red is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, both the Avocado and Kiki Red offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.