Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When diving into the realm of mechanical keyboards, one of the key elements to consider is the type of switch being used. Two popular options to compare and contrast are the Bsun Avocado, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch. The Avocado switch is lauded for its pronounced tactility, offering a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, while also providing a mild and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its smooth and buttery feel, accompanied by a low, "thocky" sound and satisfying resistance, making it a versatile option for both gaming and typing. Each switch offers its own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Overall, both the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon materials for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users of both switches can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing materials, the Avocado uses polycarbonate while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This difference in top housing material indicates that each switch will have a distinct sound and feel when the key is released, with the Avocado producing a clearer and resonant sound compared to the rounder sound of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
In conclusion, while both switches share a similar bottom housing material of nylon, their top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon respectively result in distinct sound profiles. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in top housing materials highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which requires 50 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado is heavier at 65 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those looking for a lighter typing experience might prefer the Avocado for its lighter actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of keypresses.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Avocado will require less distance to actuate compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may be more preferred by gamers for its faster response times, while the Milky Yellow Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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, providing a subtle backdrop to a typing experience focused on its pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound profile, contributing to a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. The Avocado switch presents a more understated acoustical presence, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a more distinct and bass-heavy sound that some users may find more satisfying.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Avocado is characterized by its invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, offering a responsive and immersive typing sensation without being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) boasts a buttery and textured keystroke experience, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation with noticeable friction for those who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback. Both switches offer distinct tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Avocado focusing on a pronounced tactile bump and the Milky Yellow Pro emphasizing smoothness and uniformity.
In summary, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Avocado excels in providing a satisfyingly tactile typing experience with a mild sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a bassy sound and buttery keystrokes for a smooth and textured typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy pronounced feedback and a subdued sound, the Avocado may be more to your liking, while if you prefer a smoother keystroke and richer sound, the Milky Yellow Pro could be the better option. Both switches offer quality performance within their respective tactile and linear categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and smoothness. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy, invigorating typing experience with moderate resistance, the Avocado would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, buttery keystroke with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) may be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you seek. Explore both options to find the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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