Bsun Avocado vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and Gateron Smoothie stand out as excellent choices, each offering a unique typing experience. The Avocado is a tactile switch that boasts a snappy, responsive bump and a buttery downstroke, providing satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch made entirely of POM, offering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Avocado is characterized by its tactile sensations and neutral sound, the Smoothie excels in providing a creamy and subdued typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Smoothie both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Smoothie, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Avocado's top housing and POM in the Smoothie's top housing both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Avocado and the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contribute to the overall sound experience, with the Avocado offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound of the Smoothie.
When it comes to the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, the qualities of each housing material are split between the two components of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities allows for a balanced sound profile and overall typing experience in both the Bsun Avocado and the Gateron Smoothie, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Avocado is also heavier at 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. This means that the Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the Smoothie offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a lighter keypress. Both switches have their advantages, with the Avocado being better suited for those who prefer a heavier keypress and the Smoothie being ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Smoothie's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deliberate keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
Overall, the BSUN Avocado tactile switch offers a tactile experience with a pronounced bump and satisfying feedback, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, creating a different typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a neutral sound, the Avocado would be a great choice. If you prefer a smoother keystroke with a thocky sound and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering which switch to choose between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, then the Bsun Avocado switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lightweight touch and a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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