Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and Gateron Mountain Top stand out as notable options with unique characteristics. The Bsun Avocado switch is praised for its tactile experience, offering a snappy and buttery downstroke with pronounced feedback that is satisfying without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for office environments, providing a quiet and light typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. While the Avocado switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Mountain Top switch is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, and subtle. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, making them suitable for varying use cases. 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 Mountain Top, it is evident that the Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing while the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Avocado creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Although both materials offer unique sound qualities, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a crisper sound, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing is perfect for individuals seeking a fuller sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Avocado and the Mountain Top feature nylon housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material which absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches offer a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on the overall sound profile of a switch as the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of both the Avocado and the Mountain Top contributes to the overall typing experience with its sound-absorbing properties and fuller sound output.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Mountain Top ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both the Avocado and the Mountain Top.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Avocado has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Avocado also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Mountain Top has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Mountain Top offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. Those who prefer a lighter weight may lean towards the Mountain Top for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier push feel may opt for the Avocado for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is both 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. With the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, users can enjoy a similar typing feel and performance regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Mountain Top 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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Avocado switch is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing a non-intrusive background noise during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a quiet and subdued sound profile, catering to office environments where discretion is key. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile suitable for various settings, with the Avocado leaning towards neutrality and the Mountain Top emphasizing quietness.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Avocado switch delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a snappy responsiveness, creating a satisfying typing sensation without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force and gentle resistance for comfortable and effortless typing. While the Avocado provides a more accentuated tactile feedback, the Mountain Top focuses on a subtle and mild typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions in professional settings.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of both switches, the BSUN Avocado switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch caters to individuals working in quiet environments, offering a gentle and easy-to-press typing feel with minimal sound disruption. Ultimately, whether you prefer the lively tactility of the Avocado or the discreet typing of the Mountain Top, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your typing preference and environment. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and satisfying feedback, the Avocado switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a light and quiet switch designed for office use, the Mountain Top switch with its light actuation force and subdued sound signature may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the setting in which you will be using the keyboard.
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