Bsun Avocado vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Avocado switches and the Outemu Red Panda switches both offer unique tactile feedback experiences, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Avocado switches are praised for their refreshing tactile sensation, featuring a snappy and responsive bump followed by a smooth downstroke. In contrast, the Red Panda switches provide a lighter tactile feel with a distinct bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Avocado switches are characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Red Panda switches are labeled as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Red Panda, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The Avocado and Red Panda showcase similar characteristics in terms of sound quality and visual appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Avocado features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being softer and more sound-absorbent compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Red Panda also incorporates a nylon bottom housing to enhance the overall typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities of nylon in their bottom housings.
Overall, while both the Bsun Avocado and the Outemu Red Panda share polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal, their differing bottom housing materials, nylon for the Avocado and Red Panda, play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By combining different housing materials, each switch offers a blend of qualities that cater to various preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Avocado requires 65 grams, making it heavier than the Red Panda which bottoms out at 60 grams. This means that while the Avocado may require a lighter initial push to register a keystroke, it offers a more substantial typing experience when fully depressed. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel overall, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between lightness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user values a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a more substantial push feel for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of traditional travel distances, making them ideal for faster response times preferred by gamers. Choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more pronounced keypress, the Avocado may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for more responsiveness, the Red Panda would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results with only a slight difference in 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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 offers a mild, neutral sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience without being too disruptive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, featuring a deep and satisfying noise when pressed and released. Both switches provide an auditory backdrop that complements the tactile feedback they offer, with the Avocado focusing on a subtle sound and the Red Panda delivering a more pronounced thocky tone.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Avocado switch is lauded for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a typing sensation that is both responsive and immersive. The pronounced feedback, along with the snappy and sharp tactile bump, gives users a satisfying typing experience that keeps them engaged. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda switch is described as offering a milder tactile experience, providing a gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. While the Red Panda may not have the sharpness of the Avocado, its light-medium tactility still offers a pleasant typing feel for most users.
Considering the subjective qualities of both switches, the BSUN Avocado and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Avocado excels in providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and a milder, neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a lighter tactility and a thocky sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a gentler typing feel and a deeper keypress sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound characteristics, both of which contribute significantly to the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Avocado tactile switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced, snappy tactile bump with a buttery downstroke, along with a mild and neutral sound signature, then the Avocado is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a light-medium amount of tactility with a thocky bottom-out sound, then the Red Panda might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a sharper, more invigorating typing experience with the Avocado or a milder, more approachable feel with the Red Panda.
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