Bsun Avocado vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct experiences for users. The BSUN Avocado switch is acclaimed for its tactile design, delivering a satisfying bump and smooth downstroke that enhances typing precision. Its pronounced tactility and mild sound signature make it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that excels in providing a quiet and consistent typing experience. While it may lack the tactile feedback of the Avocado, the Silent Ocean switch is preferred by those who prioritize a smooth keystroke and minimal noise. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing materials indicate that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Avocado utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. Similarly, the Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a similar deep and full sound profile as the Avocado. This shared characteristic in bottom housing materials highlights how both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feel for users.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Silent Ocean showcases a balance of sharp, crisp sounds from the top and deep, full sounds from the bottom. The differences in housing materials allow users to experience a unique typing experience with each switch, with the Avocado boasting a more resonant sound profile from its polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Ocean offers a deeper sound profile from its nylon bottom housing. Both switches cater to users who value sound quality and tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Weight
Both the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. The actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. In terms of weight, both switches provide a balance between a light touch for extended typing sessions and a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance may appeal to those seeking a more solid and deliberate keystroke. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a shorter travel distance for quick key presses, the Avocado would be the better option. However, if you prefer a longer and more deliberate keystroke, the Silent Ocean may be more suitable.
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 Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 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 Avocado switch offers a mild, neutral sound signature that provides a subtle backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is currently unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Avocado switch is lauded for its invigorating tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being prominent and not overwhelming. This switch offers a snappy and responsive keypress, creating a satisfying typing sensation. On the contrary, information about the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is unavailable at the moment, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their tactile qualities.
Considering the available information, the Bsun Avocado switch is well-regarded for its pronounced tactile bump, buttery downstroke, and mild sound profile that enhances the typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch remain unknown, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a moderate tactile feel and responsive feedback, the Avocado switch would be a solid choice based on the provided descriptors. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Avocado tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a refreshing tactile experience with a pronounced bump and satisfying feedback, then the Avocado may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silent typing experience, then the Silent Ocean could be the better option. Take into account your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of feedback when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing needs.