Bsun Avocado vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and SP-Star Polaris Gray stand out as popular options to consider. The BSUN Avocado is a tactile switch known for its snappy and responsive bump that transitions into a smooth downstroke, providing a satisfying tactile experience without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a linear switch favored for its bouncy typing feel and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Avocado offers a pronounced tactility and neutral acoustics, the Polaris Gray provides a low-pitched sound and a polished typing experience. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for diverse users. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches incorporating polycarbonate in their top housings, the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Avocado utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, providing a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound that complements the qualities of the top housing. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance of impact on both the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Polaris Gray showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While they both share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a unique combination of qualities that influence the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch with the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Avocado has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Polaris Gray, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Avocado and 67 grams for the Polaris Gray, making them both medium-heavy in this aspect. The weight of a switch can greatly impact typing experience, with some preferring lighter switches for longer typing sessions and others favoring heavier switches for a more substantial feel. In this case, the Avocado's lighter actuation force may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Polaris Gray's slightly heavier bottom out force could be preferred by those seeking a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that the Avocado has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Polaris Gray has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times, whereas the Polaris Gray's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, providing users with options based on their individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a user values quick responsiveness or a more substantial key press sensation.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switch is known for its mild and neutral acoustics, providing a pleasant background noise while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile, giving a distinct auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, with the Avocado presenting a more subtle tone and the Polaris Gray providing a sharper, more distinctive sound.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Avocado switch is praised for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a responsive and snappy typing sensation. The tactile bump is pronounced but not overwhelming, providing a balanced feel for the user. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, giving a more gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Avocado switch focuses on a sharper tactility, the Polaris Gray switch aims for a more subdued and polished feel.
Overall, the BSUN Avocado and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. The Avocado switch provides a tactile typing experience with a mild sound profile, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a linear feel with a clean and distinct sound. Depending on personal preferences for typing feedback and noise levels, users can choose between the snappy tactility of the Avocado or the bouncy feel of the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can find a mechanical keyboard switch that suits their individual needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should opt for the Avocado if you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback with a buttery downstroke and a mild, neutral sound profile. The Avocado switch's accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel will provide an immersive typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile bump. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is a great option for those who prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. The Polaris Gray's mild and polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
