Bsun Avocado vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Bsun Avocado switch offers a refreshing tactile experience with a snappy and responsive bump, leading to a buttery downstroke. Its pronounced tactility provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, accompanied by a mild, neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its unique two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches produces deep, resonating thocks, delivering a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and qualities to consider. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing material of the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, the Avocado differs with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that offers similar sound profiles, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when bottoming out a key, while the top housing material influences the sound upon key release. These contrasting characteristics provide users with a choice between a softer, more muffled sound of nylon or a sharper, more resonant sound of polycarbonate in their switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Avocado's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a unique blend of deep, fuller sounds and crisp, clear tones, while the Shadow's dual polycarbonate housing provides a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing for RGB lighting and a distinct typing experience based on the bottom housing material. Users can experiment with each switch to determine which housing material combination best suits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, which needs 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado is heavier at 65 grams compared to the 63 grams needed for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Avocado having a slightly lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we see that the Avocado has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Avocado offers a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more substantial, deliberate key press.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 BSUN Avocado switches offer a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as producing deep, resonating thocks, creating a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preference, some users may favor the quietness of the Avocado while others may enjoy the sharp and percussive sound of the Shadow switches.
When it comes to feel, both the Avocado and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are characterized by their sharp and snappy tactility. The Avocado is highlighted for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a responsive and lively typing sensation. Similarly, the Shadow switches are noted for being accented, snappy, and bouncy, providing a tactile experience with distinct feedback and rebound when pressed. Whether one prefers a more pronounced and sharp tactility like the Avocado or a multi-staged spring with rebound like the Shadow switches, both options offer an engaging typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Avocado and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches both provide unique and satisfying tactile experiences with their own sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Avocado offers a milder sound and sharp tactile feedback, the Shadow switches deliver a deeper and clackier sound with a bouncier tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users are sure to find a suitable mechanical keyboard switch between these two options. Ultimately, whether you choose the Avocado or the Shadow switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinctive tactile sensations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a buttery, accentuated tactile bump with a neutral sound profile, the Avocado switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium bottom out force with a sharper, more pronounced tactile bump resulting in clacky and high-pitched sound feedback, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose based on your personal preferences for a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
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