Bsun Avocado vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and the SP-Star Duck offer contrasting tactile experiences. The BSUN Avocado switches are renowned for their pronounced tactile feedback, characterized by a snappy bump and buttery downstroke, providing a satisfying typing sensation without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile feel, with a clean and crispy sound profile that adds a touch of elegance to every keystroke. While the Avocado switches are described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Duck switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
58g
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
Yes
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Duck, both keyboards use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the Avocado's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, emphasizing the differences in sound between the two keyboards.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences in their bottom housings lead to variations in sound and feel. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This split in housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each keyboard, with the qualities of the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. While the Avocado focuses on a deeper and fuller sound experience, the Duck emphasizes a clear and resonant sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Avocado and the SP-Star Duck significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. The Avocado's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a distinct sound that is deeper and fuller, while the Duck's polycarbonate top and bottom housing lead to a sharper and crisper sound profile. By understanding the differences in housing materials, users can select a keyboard that best suits their preferences for sound and typing feel. Despite these variations, both keyboards offer quality craftsmanship and unique sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Duck's 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Avocado for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial push may opt for the Duck. 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, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. This means that the Avocado will provide a slightly shorter key press feel compared to the Duck. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may be preferred by those who want a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, so they will both offer a more responsive typing experience than switches with longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the Avocado and Duck switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a subtle and unobtrusive background noise while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud or distracting.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is known for its sharp and snappy tactility, offering a pronounced tactile bump that is satisfying without being overwhelming. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a more mild and buttery tactile feel, creating a smoother and more gentle typing experience. While the Avocado switch offers a more invigorating and sharp tactile sensation, the Duck switch provides a polished and buttery keypress, catering to those who prefer a softer touch.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado switch and the SP-Star Duck switch offer distinct tactile experiences in both sound and feel. The Avocado switch is more sharp and pronounced, while the Duck switch is more mild and buttery. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience. However, both switches provide a high-quality and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of performance and overall feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and actuation force. If you enjoy a more pronounced and invigorating tactile experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Avocado switches would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler and more subtle tactile feel with a medium actuation force, the Duck switches would be the better choice. Consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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