Bsun Avocado vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Avocado, a tactile switch, with the Durock Piano, a linear switch, we find distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Avocado stands out for its satisfying tactility, offering a snappy and responsive bump followed by a smooth downstroke. With a mild and neutral sound profile, this switch provides a tactile typing experience without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Piano impresses with its proprietary material blend, delivering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy' for the Avocado and 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky' for the Piano, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to varying typing preferences. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying sound. Both materials bring their own characteristics to the switches, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, while POM offers a unique and deep sound profile. However, despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a premium typing experience with their top housing materials enhancing the overall sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Avocado's nylon material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend offers a uniquely satisfying sound as well. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the POM blend in the Piano's bottom housing contributes to a deep and unique sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. While each switch utilizes a different material for their bottom housing, both materials enhance the sound profile in their own distinct ways.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Durock Piano play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the Avocado features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings respectively, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housings. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Avocado or the deep and satisfying sound of the Piano, users can expect a premium typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy category. When comparing the two, the Avocado requires a slightly lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force compared to the Piano. This means that the Avocado may provide a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of initial keypress, while the Piano may offer a firmer feel when fully pressed. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy weight range, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing experience and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Piano's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key press sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by a deep and creamy sound profile, offering a richer and bassier sound compared to the Avocado.
When it comes to feel, the Avocado switch is described as sharp, snappy, and invigorating, providing a tactile typing experience with a pronounced feedback intensity and responsive feel. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, with an emphasis on smoothness and effortless key presses.
Overall, the Avocado switch excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, catering to those who enjoy pronounced feedback and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a smooth and creamy typing feel with a deep sound signature, ideal for those who prefer a silky and bassy typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel. Nonetheless, if one enjoys tactile switches with pronounced feedback and linear switches with a smooth feel, they can expect similar levels of satisfaction from both the Avocado and Piano switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a snappy and sharp bump, the Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep and creamy sound profile, the Piano switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of tactility and sound. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.