Bsun Avocado vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to whether you prefer a tactile or linear typing experience. On one hand, the BSUN Avocado switches present a tactile delight, with a snappy bump and buttery downstroke that offers satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. Their neutral sound signature adds to the overall typing experience, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches boast a heftier linear typing experience, characterized by a deep sound profile that enhances every keystroke. With a textured and resonant feel, these switches provide an invigorating typing experience that sets them apart from other linear switches. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado's housing materials consist of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream features a POM top and bottom housing, both creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Despite using different materials for the top and bottom housing, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
While the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharper and clearer sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. The difference in the materials used for the top housing results in contrasting sound experiences for users of each switch. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Avocado and the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream both work to create a fuller sound, but the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM material. Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Avocado and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
In terms of construction, the Avocado and NovelKeys Cream switches showcase how different housing materials can alter the typing experience. The top housing of a switch plays a role in the sound profile when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Avocado and POM in the NovelKeys Cream highlights how housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Avocado or a unique and muted sound with the NovelKeys Cream, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to individual preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Avocado's 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Avocado requiring 65 grams and the Cream needing 70 grams. This means that while the Avocado is lighter to initially press, the NovelKeys Cream offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Avocado for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feeling may opt for the NovelKeys Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Avocado has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cream switch. The Avocado's 3.4 mm distance offers a quick and responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Cream switch's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 offers a mild, neutral sound signature, creating an unobtrusive backdrop to typing. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a deeper and more immersive auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for the typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating, offering a smooth, seamless keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Both switches provide a unique typing sensation, with the Avocado focusing more on tactile feedback while the Cream emphasizes a smoother keystroke.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Avocado excels in providing a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback and a neutral sound profile, while the Cream emphasizes a smoother keystroke with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. Whether you prefer a more tactile or linear typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ultimately providing a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, the Bsun Avocado switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a deeper sound profile and a heftier typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. So, choose wisely based on what typing experience you are looking for.
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