Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Avocado and the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Avocado is praised for its invigorating and sharp tactile experience, providing a snappy bump that transitions smoothly into a buttery downstroke. It offers a pronounced tactility with a mild and neutral sound profile, creating a typing experience defined by tangible sensations. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches provide a subtle and gentle tactility that is easy to press, making them ideal for office settings where a quiet and professional typing experience is desired. These switches are lightweight and offer a satisfying feedback without the intrusive clack sound. Both switches have their merits, but the choice ultimately depends on individual 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Mini i, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is appreciated by many users. However, while both switches share this bottom housing material, the Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Mini i also utilizes nylon for its top housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound rather than a sharper and crisper one.
When looking at the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that the differences in material can significantly affect the user experience. The Avocado's split housing materials mean that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housing will result in a uniform deep and full sound profile both when pressing down on a key and releasing it. Despite using different housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles created by the housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Mini i both prioritize creating a distinctive sound profile through their housing materials, they take different approaches to achieve this. The Avocado's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while the Mini i's consistent use of nylon results in a uniform, deeper sound profile. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the materials used in their housings, catering to users with different sound preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Avocado has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel. In contrast, the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Avocado, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mini i. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the ability to choose based on their preferred weight preference.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile response and typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Avocado or the Mini i, you can expect to feel the same amount of travel distance when pressing down on the keys. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they offer identical results.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its neutral and unobtrusive sound signature, providing a quiet backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a fairly muted sound profile that complements its gentle tactility. Both switches prioritize a quiet typing experience, ensuring that the sound produced is not distracting in quiet environments such as offices. Ultimately, users can expect a similar level of noise reduction from both switches, making them suitable for shared spaces or environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Avocado offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, characterized by a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The feedback is snappy and responsive, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing feel without causing finger fatigue during extended use. While the specific characteristics differ slightly, users can expect a positive typing experience from either switch, with the Avocado delivering a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Mini i.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Mini i switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Avocado excels in providing a sharp and invigorating tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Mini i focuses on a bouncy and easy-to-press feel with a muted sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for tactility and sound, users can choose between the pronounced feedback of the Avocado or the gentle typing experience of the Mini i. Ultimately, both switches prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience, showcasing the diversity and versatility present in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, along with a satisfying typing experience characterized by sharp and snappy feedback, then the Bsun Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a gentler tactile feedback that still provides a comfortable typing experience with minimal noise, then the Gateron Mini i switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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