Bsun Avocado vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Avocado and the Akko Penguin are two popular choices that cater to different needs and preferences. The BSUN Avocado switches are known for their invigorating and sharp tactile feel, offering a satisfying bump and buttery downstroke that enhances typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches boast a more refined and muted tactile feedback, perfect for those seeking a quiet and feather-like typing experience, making them ideal for office environments. While the Avocado switches focus on accentuated tactility, the Penguin switches emphasize a more subtle and neutral feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Bsun Avocado utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Akko Penguin's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Avocado and Penguin feature nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing of these switches plays a crucial role in impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of these switches, it's important to consider how each material contributes to the overall sound and feel of typing. The Bsun Avocado's use of polycarbonate in the top housing contrasts with its nylon bottom housing, which divides the sound qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, providing a consistent sound profile throughout the entire typing experience. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado also requires more force at 65 grams compared to the Penguin at 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them ideal for users who prefer a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. While the Avocado is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, users can expect similar results in typing experience with the Akko Penguin due to their comparable weights. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it can be seen that the Avocado has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. While the Avocado offers a tiny bit more depth in its travel distance, the difference is minimal and both switches would provide a similar experience in terms of key feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference for a slightly longer or shorter 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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 is described as having a neutral sound signature, providing a comfortable typing experience without being obtrusive. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is characterized by a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches offer different acoustics that cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can enjoy a tactile typing experience without sacrificing on sound quality.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is praised for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a satisfying typing sensation with each keypress. The switch offers a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its polished and mild tactile feedback, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. Both switches offer distinct tactile profiles that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel.
Taking into account the information provided, it is evident that the Bsun Avocado and Akko Penguin tactile switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Avocado switch delivers a pronounced tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature, the Penguin switch provides a more muted tactile experience with a quiet sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, users can choose between the two switches to suit their specific needs. Ultimately, both switches offer quality tactile feedback and a pleasant typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, snappy feedback, and a slightly heavier typing feel, the Bsun Avocado switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, with a rounded tactile bump, smooth key travel, and a lighter typing feel, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more invigorating and sharp typing sensation with the Avocado, or a polished and feathery typing experience with the Penguin.
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