Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinctive typing experiences worth considering. The BSUN Avocado switches are lauded for their invigorating tactile feedback, featuring a snappy bump followed by a buttery downstroke that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are renowned for their budget-friendly linear design, providing a seamless and buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Avocado switch is accented and sharp, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is characterized by its buttery and thocky feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing choices for 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of top housing material drastically impacts the overall sound profile of each switch.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Bsun Avocado sets it apart from the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiff nature, while nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper sound profile. This contrast in top housing material not only affects the sound produced by each switch but also plays a role in their aesthetic appeal. The Avocado’s translucent polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, catering to users who prioritize customization and visual appeal, whereas the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leans towards a more classic look with its nylon top housing.
The impact of housing material goes beyond just the sound profile, as it also influences the feel of typing on each switch. With both the Avocado and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of keypress feel. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound feedback when pressing and releasing keys. The sharper sound profile of the Avocado’s polycarbonate top housing may appeal to users looking for a more distinct typing experience, while the duller sound of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top housing offers a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams. This means that the Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro, making it more suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Avocado being on the shallower end and the Milky Red Pro being closer to the standard 4 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would 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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 tactile switch is known for its mild, neutral sound signature that complements the tactile typing experience it offers. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as having a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile that adds a deeper and richer auditory dimension to each keystroke. The difference in sound between the two switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Avocado providing a quiet backdrop and the Milky Red Pro delivering a more pronounced and textured sound with each press.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is praised for its invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that offers a responsive and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The tactile feedback from the Avocado switch is more pronounced and intense, while the Milky Red Pro switch focuses on delivering a seamless and consistent typing feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Bsun Avocado tactile switch excels in providing a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback and a mild sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch stands out for its smooth and buttery keystrokes accompanied by a bassy and low-pitched sound signature. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the Avocado offering a more tactile and feedback-oriented experience, while the Milky Red Pro delivering a smoother and more uniform typing sensation. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force, the Bsun Avocado switches would be the ideal choice for you. The Avocado switches offer a snappy and responsive bump, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound signature, making for a satisfying and tangible typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and budget-friendly linear switch with a lighter actuation force, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a buttery smooth keystroke with a low-pitched "thock" sound, creating a pleasant typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Avocado and Milky Red Pro switches comes down to your preference for tactility and sound profile, so choose based on which characteristics best suit your typing style and preferences.
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