Bsun Avocado vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stand out as popular options. The Avocado offers a tactile experience with a responsive bump and smooth downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Phoenix boasts a unique under-skirt click mechanism, producing a distinctive crystalline and sparkling sound profile. While the Avocado is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Phoenix is described as 'Crunchy' and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own appeal, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Phoenix feature polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. However, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Although both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Avocado differs from the Phoenix with its nylon bottom housing. This contrast in materials leads to variations in sound profiles, with the Avocado offering a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key.
In summary, while both the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Phoenix share polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile, their bottom housing materials differ in composition and resulting sound qualities. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound than the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction in materials allows for a unique auditory experience with each switch, as the qualities of the top and bottom housings combine to shape the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switch when typing.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Avocado requiring 65 grams and the Phoenix requiring 62 grams. The Avocado provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Phoenix offers a medium feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Avocado may be the better choice. Conversely, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing, the Phoenix could be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have fairly short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Avocado for its slightly longer travel distance, as it provides a bit more depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Phoenix's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time without sacrificing too much depth. In terms of travel distance, the Avocado is slightly longer than the Phoenix, but both switches offer a modern and efficient typing experience.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 pleasant auditory backdrop to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique and distinctive crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Avocado focusing on a subtle sound and the Phoenix delivering a more pronounced, textured click.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile sensation that is engaging and responsive without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Both switches offer a tactile experience that enhances typing efficiency and comfort, with the Avocado emphasizing feedback intensity and the Phoenix focusing on a smooth, polished feel.
Overall, both the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Avocado provides a more subdued sound profile with pronounced tactility, the Phoenix excels in delivering a distinctive click sound with a polished and smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, when it comes to choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it really depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a buttery downstroke and mild acoustics, the Avocado would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique clicky switch with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, the Phoenix might be more to your liking. Consider the feel and sound descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences and style. Ultimately, the decision between the Avocado and Phoenix switches will come down to what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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