Bsun Avocado vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the BSUN Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Avocado is renowned for its refreshing tactile experience, offering a snappy and buttery downstroke with pronounced feedback and a mild, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a medium level of tactility with lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a bouncy feel and a deep, thocky sound profile. While the Avocado may be preferred for its invigorating sharpness, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring excels in its approachable tactility. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
One key difference between the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is the materials used for their bottom housings. The Avocado utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound. While nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound, polycarbonate is stiffer and leads to a more resonant sound quality. This distinction in bottom housing material can contribute significantly to the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
On the other hand, both the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring feature polycarbonate top housings, which leads to a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. The top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, meaning that users of these switches can expect a consistent sound experience when typing due to the shared polycarbonate top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Avocado's combination of a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound and a polycarbonate top housing for a clearer sound creates a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Shadow's consistency in its polycarbonate top and bottom housings offers a more uniform sound profile throughout typing. Both switches provide distinct advantages based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch differ in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Avocado has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams, making the Avocado easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams. This means that the Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the Shadow offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Avocado has a shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink). The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Avocado may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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) Single 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) Single 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
The Bsun Avocado switch offers a mild, neutral sound profile that provides a subtle background noise during typing, allowing the user to focus on the tactile experience. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is noted for its deep and thocky sound, adding a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its invigorating and snappy feedback, creating a tactile sensation that is both satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is characterized by a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a playful element to typing. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and feedback intensity.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a mild, neutral sound profile with pronounced tactility or a deep, thocky sound with a bouncy tactile feedback, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is sure to delight mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but rest assured that both switches offer high-quality performance and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider your preference for tactility and bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a pronounced tactile bump with a buttery downstroke, the Avocado would be a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a more approachable level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility and sound.
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