Bsun Avocado vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a tactile switch like the Bsun Avocado and a linear switch such as the Cherry MX Red can greatly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Avocado offers a refreshing tactile feedback with a snappy bump and buttery downstroke, providing a satisfying typing experience with mild acoustics. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. Both switches have their strengths and appeal 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Bsun Avocado and Cherry MX Red switches both feature nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their relatively softer plastic composition. However, the Avocado stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Avocado's top housing also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the MX Red's nylon top housing may absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bsun Avocado and Cherry MX Red switches utilize nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The implications of this choice in housing material are similar for both switches, as the softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Whether typing on the Avocado or MX Red switches, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of the bottom housing's impact on sound and feel during key presses.
In summary, while both the Bsun Avocado and Cherry MX Red switches share similar nylon bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the MX Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches provide a reliable typing experience with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Avocado has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the MX Red, which does not have a specified bottom out force. The Avocado provides a medium-heavy typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, whereas the MX Red offers a lighter typing feel by not specifying a bottom out force. The difference in weight between the two switches allows for users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the similar actuation force ensures that users will get a similar typing response, but the varying bottom out forces cater to individual preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the MX Red's longer travel distance might be preferred by those seeking a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a balance between shallow and deep travel distances, providing options for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Avocado tactile switch offers a mild and neutral sound signature that doesn't draw attention away from the tactile typing experience it provides. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. Both switches can offer a pleasant typing sound, but the Avocado focuses on a quieter and more subdued tone compared to the robust sound of the MX Red.
In terms of feel, the Avocado switch is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and snappy typing sensation without being overwhelming. The Cherry MX Red switch, on the other hand, is described as textured, potentially offering a bit of friction during typing. Both switches focus on providing a responsive typing experience, but the Avocado leans towards a more tactile and sharp feedback, while the MX Red offers a bit of texture for added tactile feedback.
Overall, the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer unique and distinct typing experiences. The Avocado provides a refreshingly tactile feel with pronounced feedback and a mild sound profile, while the MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel with a deeper, thocky sound. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Avocado focusing more on tactility and the MX Red providing a textured feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy, buttery downstroke, the Avocado switch may be your best choice. This switch offers a moderate bottom out force and a mild, neutral sound profile, creating a satisfying typing sensation without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch with its classic thocky and low-pitched sound may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing feel and sound experience, as both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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