Bsun Avocado vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering different mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the BSUN Avocado, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The BSUN Avocado switches are praised for their pronounced tactility, offering a snappy and responsive bump followed by a smooth downstroke. These switches also have a mild and neutral sound signature, which adds to the overall typing experience without being too distracting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches maintain the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently. This makes them perfect for environments where noise is a concern. While the BSUN Avocado provides a more invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a more muted and thocky typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that they both utilize nylon as the bottom housing material. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a duller and rounder sound upon typing, providing a unique typing experience for users.
However, when looking at the top housing materials, the Bsun Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing while the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Avocado creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound upon typing. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different tactile and auditory experience for users.
Overall, the differences in the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Cherry MX Silent Red result in varied sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing provides a different sound experience compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing. Users will have to consider their preference for sound and feel when choosing between these switches, as the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the Avocado has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the MX Silent Red. The Avocado switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red's lighter bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Avocado has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. While the Avocado may provide a quick and responsive feel, some users may find the MX Silent Red to offer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
The Avocado switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback with an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, making each keypress feel lively and engaging. It provides a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming, creating a tactile typing experience that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch delivers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Avocado switch focuses on tactile feedback, the MX Silent Red switch prioritizes a silent operation without compromising on the typing experience.
When comparing the Avocado and MX Silent Red switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a distinct bump and responsive feel, the Avocado switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you value a silent operation and a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Overall, both switches excel in their respective qualities, and selecting between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, whether you choose the Avocado or MX Silent Red switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a mild sound profile, the Bsun Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides a similar typing experience to the popular Cherry MX Red but with a quieter sound output, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile. Choose the Avocado for a lively and tactile typing experience, or opt for the MX Silent Red for a smoother and quieter typing session.
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