Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Avocado and the Gateron Melodic stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The BSUN Avocado offers a tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump that leads to a smooth downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings new life to the clicky switch category, combining classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a buttery and crunchy typing experience. While the Avocado is characterized as accented and sharp, the Melodic is described as resonant and invigorating. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Melodic use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic qualities from both switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
On the other hand, the Avocado and the Melodic differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Avocado utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Melodic's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Avocado offering a more muted bottom-out sound and feel due to its nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the Avocado and the Melodic showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Melodic's polycarbonate bottom housing. Users looking for a switch with a more rounded sound may prefer the Avocado, while those seeking a sharper sound profile may lean towards the Melodic.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it becomes clear that the Avocado is the heavier option. 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 Melodic has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. The Avocado offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, while the Melodic provides a lighter touch with a potentially lighter actuation force. Depending on personal preference, some may enjoy the lighter feel of the Melodic for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push of the Avocado for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we see that the Avocado has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Melodic has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Avocado the shorter option and the Melodic the longer option. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Melodic's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches offer different sensory experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct auditory experiences. The Avocado switch provides a mild and neutral sound profile, creating a subtle background noise that complements the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Melodic switch is described as resonant and crunchy, offering a higher-pitched and immersive sound profile reminiscent of traditional clicky switches. Both switches excel in providing unique sound characteristics that enhance the typing experience, although the Avocado leans towards a more subtle and understated sound while the Melodic delivers a more pronounced and engaging auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Melodic switches offer different tactile sensations. The Avocado switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. It provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still offers a satisfying bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Both switches excel in providing a tactile typing experience, with the Avocado offering a more intense and sharp feedback while the Melodic provides a smoother and more uniform sensation.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Melodic switches each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Avocado switch stands out for its tactile bump and neutral sound signature, appealing to those looking for a subtle typing experience with satisfying tactility. On the other hand, the Melodic switch impresses with its resonant sound profile and buttery feel, offering a more immersive and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional quality and performance, ensuring that users will enjoy a premium typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you are looking for a tactile experience that is pronounced and satisfying without being overwhelming, opt for the Avocado. Its snappy bump and buttery downstroke provide a tangible sensation that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you want a clicky switch that offers a classic click sound with smoothness, the Melodic is the way to go. With advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems, the Melodic delivers a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, whether you choose the Avocado for its invigorating and sharp tactility or the Melodic for its resonant and crunchy sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. So, consider your typing style and personal preferences when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
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