Bsun Avocado vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Avocado switch is revered for its pronounced tactility, providing a snappy and responsive bump that transitions into a smooth downstroke. This switch offers a tactile typing experience with satisfying feedback and a mild, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Mamba switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with its smooth and gliding typing sensation and rich, creamy sound profile. While the Avocado switch is accentuated and invigorating, the Mamba switch is neutral and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
3.50 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Mamba have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a brighter but not particularly sharp sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Avocado's translucent polycarbonate housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Mamba's unique blend offers a pleasant and unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile that is distinct from the brightness of its top housing. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches further highlights the unique qualities each switch offers in terms of sound and feel.
While the Avocado and Mamba switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they each contribute in their own way to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer pleasing and unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mamba's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Avocado requires a slightly lighter touch to actuate but will require more force to bottom out compared to the Mamba. In terms of weight, the Avocado can be seen as the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force. However, both switches offer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience rather than the slight variation in 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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump that leads to a smooth downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. The sound produced is described as neutral, blending well into the typing experience without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. The sound signature of the Mamba switch is diverse, ranging from a neutral profile suitable for various environments to a thocky sound that adds a deep, satisfying element to each keypress.
When it comes to feel, the Avocado switch is described as offering an invigorating and snappy typing experience with a sharp tactile bump that enhances feedback. The switch falls under the category of "accented," providing a medium level of tactility that is not too soft nor too intense. On the other hand, the Mamba switch is characterized by its mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Mamba switch stands out for its refined finish, providing a sleek and comfortable typing sensation.
Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Bsun Avocado switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and gentler typing sensation with a diverse range of sound profiles, the Durock Mamba switch would be a great option. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump and moderate actuation force, the Bsun Avocado switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Avocado offers a snappy and invigorating tactile feedback without being overwhelming, and its sound signature is mild and unobtrusive. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and gliding typing experience with a creamy auditory feedback, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be the perfect fit. The Mamba offers a neutral sound profile and a polished typing sensation, making it suitable for a wide range of users and typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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