Bsun Avocado vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the BSUN Avocado and the KTT Purple Star. The BSUN Avocado switch is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump and buttery downstroke that is both snappy and invigorating. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a smooth, linear typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out that is easy to press and perfect for light typists. While the Avocado switch offers a pronounced tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch provides a mild, low-pitched sound and ease of pressing. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and KTT Purple Star keyboards both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, resulting in unique sound profiles. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Purple Star's POM bottom housing similarly adds to the deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer pleasing and unique sound experiences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM material does not offer the same level of translucency but instead focuses on creating a unique sound profile. While the Avocado's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing enhances the deeper and muted sound profile of the keyboard. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound experience of each keyboard.
When it comes to typing experience, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom components plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. The Avocado's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a mix of sharp, high-pitched sounds and deeper, fuller tones. Similarly, the Purple Star's blend of POM materials for both top and bottom housings creates a consistent, deep, and muted sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials used in each keyboard contribute to the overall typing experience, offering users a variety of options to suit their personal preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Avocado has a heavier feel overall. The Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Purple Star has a lighter touch with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Purple Star offers a lighter touch that is ideal for longer typing sessions and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm may be noticeable to some users, with the Avocado providing a slightly shorter travel distance. If you prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel, the Avocado may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and cushion when pressing down on a key, the Purple Star with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing a subtle background noise during typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which can provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on personal preference and setup, both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience for users.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is described as sharp, snappy, accented, and invigorating, offering a tactile typing experience with a prominent feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a mild and easy-to-press feel, delivering a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, with the Avocado offering a more intense tactile feedback compared to the smooth and effortless feel of the Purple Star.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Avocado provides a pronounced tactile experience with a subtle sound profile, the Purple Star delivers a smooth and easy-to-press typing sensation with a low-pitched sound signature. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or linear typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable keystroke, allowing you to customize your typing setup to suit your individual needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it all comes down to your personal typing preferences. If you enjoy a more invigorating and sharp tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Avocado switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and easy-to-press linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the Purple Star switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound signature to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preference. Be sure to test out both switches if possible to make an informed decision based on your own typing experience.