Bsun Avocado vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and TTC Silent Red stand out as popular choices in the market. The BSUN Avocado switch is lauded for its tactile experience, offering a snappy bump and buttery downstroke that provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch boasts a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. While the Avocado is characterized as accented and sharp, the Silent Red is described as buttery and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and specific usage 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Avocado and the TTC Silent Red utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard setup. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housing, they may differ in their design and implementation, potentially affecting the sound and feel of typing on each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Avocado and Silent Red use nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a tactile experience for the user when pressing down on the keys. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the design and construction of each switch may still impact the overall typing experience.
It is important to consider how the combination of different housing materials in the Avocado and Silent Red affects the overall typing experience. While both switches share similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the design and construction of each switch can influence the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing contributes to the impact and tactile feedback of pressing down on the keys, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the role of each housing material, users can better assess which switch aligns with their preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado is slightly heavier, requiring 65 grams compared to the Silent Red's 63.5 grams. This means that the Avocado switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. In terms of weight considerations, both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, which may suit individuals who enjoy a bit of resistance in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Avocado has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. This means that the Avocado will provide a slightly faster response time compared to the Silent Red. Gamers may prefer the Avocado for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker key presses during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 switch offers a neutral and unobtrusive experience, while the TTC Silent Red switch is designed for a muted and quieter typing environment. Both switches aim to minimize the typical mechanical keyboard noise, with the Avocado presenting a mild sound profile and the Silent Red providing a softer and gentler sound. The ultimate sound experience will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Avocado is described as offering a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a snappy and responsive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is characterized as having a buttery and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and consistent feel throughout. The Avocado lends itself to a more pronounced tactility, while the Silent Red offers a comfortable and cushioned bottom-out feel for maximum comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado and TTC Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a tactile switch with pronounced feedback and a sharper typing experience, the Avocado may be the one for you. If a smooth and quiet typing experience is more up your alley, the Silent Red switch is a great choice. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a pronounced bump and snappy feedback while maintaining a mild sound profile, the Bsun Avocado switch is the way to go. The Avocado switch provides an invigorating and sharp typing experience that will keep you engaged and responsive. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with a hint of buttery feel, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is your best bet. The Silent Red switch delivers a polished and consistent typing experience that is perfect for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the Avocado and Silent Red switches comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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