Bsun Avocado vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and the TKC Kiwi both offer enticing tactile experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Avocado is renowned for its refreshingly tactile nature, featuring a snappy and responsive bump followed by a smooth downstroke. Its satisfying feedback and mild, neutral sound signature make for an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches provide a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, coupled with a snappy sound profile for an immersive typing feel. The factory lubrication ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and TKC Kiwi both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Kiwi boasts a UHWMPE top housing that provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In terms of aesthetics, the Avocado's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing offers a newer and innovative material choice. However, both switches offer top housings that contribute significantly to the overall sound profile and typing experience.
On the other hand, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing offers a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, UHWMPE offers a unique sound experience that differs from traditional materials. Both switches showcase how different bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound profile and typing feel of the switch.
Whether using the Bsun Avocado with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing or the TKC Kiwi with its UHWMPE top and bottom housings, each switch presents a unique combination of materials that affect the sound profile and typing experience. While the Avocado's materials provide a sharper sound with a deeper bottom-out, the Kiwi's materials offer a bright sound with resonant clacks. Understanding how these housing materials interact with key presses can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a distinctive typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have similar actuation forces and bottom out forces, with the Avocado being slightly lighter in both categories. The Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a balance between lightness and substantial typing experience. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Avocado offering a slightly lighter feel and the Kiwi providing a slightly heavier push. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the TKC Kiwi tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado offers a slightly shallower travel distance compared to the more traditional Kiwi switch. For gamers looking for a faster response time, the Avocado may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Kiwi switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of travel distance.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 presenting a mild, neutral sound signature, providing an unobtrusive backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is characterized by a low-pitched and snappy sound profile, delivering an immersive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the Avocado being more neutral and the Kiwi having a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This results in a tactile experience that is pronounced, firm, and reactive, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as offering a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. The stepped design provides a two-stage tactile feedback, with pre-travel and post-travel sensations, while the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado and TKC Kiwi switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Avocado provides a mild and neutral sound profile with pronounced and sharp tactile feedback, while the Kiwi offers a low-pitched sound with a two-stage tactile feel and a polished finish. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more neutral sound with pronounced tactility or a low-pitched sound with a two-stage tactile feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced and sharp tactile bump that offers a snappy and invigorating feel, the Avocado may be the right choice for you. This switch provides a buttery downstroke and a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong bump that has a stepped feel and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience, the Kiwi switch might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.