Bsun Avocado vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and Outemu Tom both offer tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. The BSUN Avocado switches are known for their invigorating tactility, with a snappy and responsive bump that leads into a smooth downstroke. These switches produce a mild and neutral sound, creating an unobtrusive backdrop to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switches do not have any specific standout features noted. When choosing between the two, the Avocado may be preferred for its pronounced tactility and satisfying feedback, while the Tom could be a more subtle and understated option. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Tom both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Avocado and Tom differ in their bottom housing material. The Avocado utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tom also uses nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile.
While both the Avocado and the Tom share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience by providing a deeper sound profile, while the Tom's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect. The split between the top and bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound upon key release.
In summary, the Avocado and the Tom both incorporate polycarbonate top housing to create a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials differ in terms of the resulting sound experience. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tom's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect. The overall typing experience is affected by the combination of the top and bottom housing materials, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is clear that the Avocado is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tom is heavier at 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado requires 65 grams, which is not available for the Tom. This means that for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Avocado would be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Tom. It is important to consider these forces when choosing a switch, as they can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The Avocado offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback compared to the Tom switch. However, the difference between 3.4 mm and 3.3 mm is minimal, so in practical terms, both switches will offer similar results in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the level of feedback and depth desired in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing a quiet typing experience that won't disrupt those around you. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unknown at this time, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison between the two in terms of acoustics. It's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is lauded for its invigorating and snappy tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump that enhances the typing experience without being too overwhelming. The switch is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between smoothness and responsiveness. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is currently unavailable, making it hard to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of typing feel.
Overall, while the sound and feel of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch are well-documented and praised for their pleasing qualities, the information about the Outemu Tom tactile switch is lacking at this time. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience can vary from person to person. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and quiet sound of the Bsun Avocado switch, you may find similar results with the Outemu Tom switch, but it's always best to try out different switches yourself to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, in conclusion, when considering which switch to choose between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and buttery downstroke that offers satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, the Bsun Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a different feel or have specific preferences in terms of sound and tactility, the Outemu Tom switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, testing out both switches and considering your own typing preferences will help you determine which one is the better fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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