Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Avocado switches and Gateron Oil King switches offer contrasting experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Avocado is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactility, providing a snappy and responsive bump followed by a buttery downstroke. In comparison, the Oil King is a linear switch celebrated for its smoothness and sound profile akin to snapping dark chocolate. While the Avocado offers a satisfying feedback without overwhelming acoustics, the Oil King provides a creamy and polished typing experience with low-pitched bass tones. Depending on your preference for tactility or smoothness, choosing between the Avocado and Oil King switches can greatly impact your typing experience. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Oil King, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles but with different characteristics. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, whereas the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. While the Avocado's top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Oil King's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of sound production.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Avocado and the Oil King also showcase distinct differences. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its nylon top housing. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. These differences in sound profiles highlight the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of a switch, as each material brings its own unique characteristics to the table.
While the Avocado and the Oil King feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience is significant. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a diverse range of sound profiles to be achieved, catering to the preferences of different users. Overall, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to their distinct typing experiences.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. However, the Avocado has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams, making it a lighter option overall. The lighter actuation force of the Avocado may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Oil King's heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force in a mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a longer travel distance, which can feel more substantial for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 tactile switch offers a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle backdrop to the typing experience focused on its tactile sensations. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. While sound preferences can vary among users, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can complement the overall typing feel.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactility that is coupled with a snappy and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is revered for its creamy and silky smooth typing experience, characterized by a buttery feel and polished key travel. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences, with the Avocado focusing on tactile feedback and the Oil King on smooth keystrokes.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Avocado excels in providing a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, while the Oil King stands out for its smooth and creamy keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and smooth typing performance.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a tactile switch with pronounced feedback and a snappy, responsive bump, the Avocado would be the better choice. The Avocado offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King linear switch would be more suitable. The Oil King provides a creamy and silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your typing experience.
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