Bsun Avocado vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Avocado tactile switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Avocado stands out for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feel. The Avocado offers a satisfying feedback with a pronounced bump followed by a buttery downstroke, creating a unique typing experience with mild and neutral acoustics. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished characteristics. This linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housing materials, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This results in a clear and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics and performance in terms of sound projection and clarity.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Avocado features a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that adds a tactile and satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of deeper sound and sound absorption. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more tactile and enjoyable typing experience with a focus on enhancing the sound profile.
Overall, the difference in housing materials for the Bsun Avocado and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear lies in their bottom housings, while both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing characteristics. The split properties between the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the release sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their individual typing preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Avocado requiring 45 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear having an unknown force. In terms of bottom out force, the Avocado is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams. This means that the Avocado will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear will offer a lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Semi-Silent Linear may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more tactile and heavier typing feel, the Avocado could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Avocado. When pressing the keys, the difference may not be immediately noticeable, but those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Semi-Silent Linear more satisfying. On the other hand, individuals who value faster response times may lean towards the Avocado switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Avocado providing a quicker, more responsive feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a bit more depth to each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 presents a mild and neutral sound signature, offering a pleasant backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, with a whisper-quiet top-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Avocado provides a more neutral auditory experience, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique combination of quietness and tactile feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Avocado switch is often described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile experience that is responsive and satisfying. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a silky smooth typing sensation with reduced friction. Both switches offer a level of responsiveness that enhances the overall typing experience, but the Avocado leans towards a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizes a smooth and refined keystroke.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Avocado excels in providing a tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear focuses on a smoother and quieter operation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more pronounced tactile feel or a quieter typing experience. However, both switches offer quality performance and responsiveness that will elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Avocado tactile switch or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a pronounced feedback and a snappy, responsive feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Avocado would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a silky smooth feel and a slightly lower bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable. Consider the typing sensation and sound signature that align with your preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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