Bsun Avocado vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Avocado is heralded for its refreshing tactile experience with a snappy, responsive bump that leads into a buttery downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Koala strikes a balance for those who desire a keystroke with a punch but not too much, featuring a stepped tactility that offers a pronounced bump without spanning the entire keystroke. While the Avocado is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Koala is known for its polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff attributes. Ultimately, these general pointers can help guide your decision-making process, but diving deeper into the specifics will allow you to choose the best switch according to your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing material.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Koala utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches emphasizes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a different tactile experience compared to the top housing.
Overall, both the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Koala offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to the sound and feel of the switch. While they both share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between the qualities of each housing material in the top and bottom of the switch further enhances the overall typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a combination of sharpness and depth in sound.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Avocado and 67 grams for the Koala, making them both medium-heavy in terms of typing pressure. Some users may prefer the Avocado for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, while others may prefer the Koala for a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and keypress force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado offers a quicker response time favored by gamers, while the Koala provides a deeper keypress feel for those who prefer more resistance. Both switches are within the typical range of travel distances, with the Koala being on the longer side and the Avocado being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 switches are often described as having a mild and neutral sound signature, offering a quiet typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches are characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is still suitable for various settings. Factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Avocado switches are known for their accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. These switches offer a satisfying and responsive typing experience with a distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches feature a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel. These switches provide a refined and smooth typing experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, requiring a bit more force to actuate compared to other switches.
Overall, both the Bsun Avocado and Durock Koala tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Avocado switches provide a buttery downstroke and mild sound profile, while the Koala switches offer a bit of resonance and a more pronounced tactile bump. Depending on your typing style and preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with either of these switches by pairing them with a compatible keyboard and keycap setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Avocado tactile switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback with a snappy and invigorating feel, the Avocado switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and polished typing experience with a stepped tactility and a slightly stiffer feel, the Koala switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider factors such as sound profile, actuation force, and overall typing sensation to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
