Bsun Avocado vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique and appealing features worth exploring. The BSUN Avocado switch delivers a refreshing tactile experience with a snappy, responsive bump that leads to a smooth downstroke, creating a satisfying sensation without being overwhelming. Its mild, neutral sound signature adds to the overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile switch that provides a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow introduces a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a harmonious balance and medium weight feel. With a neutral sound signature to complement its design, this switch showcases Aflion's commitment to innovative technology. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Despite these similarities, the Avocado's top housing may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the Thunder Shadow due to potential differences in design or manufacturing processes.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Avocado and Thunder Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This material choice impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on these aspects compared to the top housing. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, slight variations may still be present in the typing experience due to factors such as switch design and keycap compatibility.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the resulting sound profile and typing experience. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in both the Bsun Avocado and Aflion Thunder Shadow showcases a mix of sharpness and depth in sound. While the differences in housing materials may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel between the two switches, the use of these specific materials ensures a quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Avocado has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. The Avocado is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Thunder Shadow, but they both require a similar amount of force to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Avocado may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Avocado for its slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Thunder Shadow with its slightly longer 3.5 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a shorter and quicker keystroke or a slightly deeper and more tactile feel.
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 Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Bsun Avocado and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer a neutral sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being too obtrusive. This makes either option suitable for various environments and preferences, depending on the specific setup of the keyboard and keycaps being used. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Avocado is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. Similarly, the Thunder Shadow offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a medium weight actuation force, striking a harmonious balance that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Avocado and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches offer unique yet equally enjoyable qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer the pronounced tactility and buttery downstroke of the Avocado or the harmonious balance and medium weight feel of the Thunder Shadow, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado and Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switches, consider your preference for bottom out force as both switches fall under the medium-heavy category with slight variations. If you enjoy a tactile experience that is described as snappy, responsive, and buttery with a pronounced tactility, the Avocado may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced tactile bump, medium weight feel, and invigorating typing sensation, the Thunder Shadow could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent options for those seeking a tactile typing experience with neutral sound profiles, so your decision may come down to the specific feel you prefer during your typing sessions.
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