Bsun Avocado vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, you are faced with two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Avocado switch offers a satisfyingly tactile experience with a noticeable bump and buttery downstroke, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a smooth and creamy typing sensation, enhanced by a high-pitched and clacky sound. While the Avocado switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. Each switch offers unique qualities that appeal to different users, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal typing style and 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Avocado features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is in contrast to the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, both materials prioritize sound quality, with the Avocado focusing on clarity and resonance while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a unique sound signature.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Avocado utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material boasts high wear resistance and shock resistance, contributing to the overall smooth and clacky sound of the switch. While the Avocado's nylon bottom housing aims to create a duller and rounder sound, the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances the overall typing experience with its smooth and durable qualities.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Avocado and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of each switch. While the Avocado emphasizes clarity and resonance with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a unique sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on the qualities of their housing materials, showcasing how different materials can impact the overall performance of a switch.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Avocado requires 65 grams while the Vanilla Ice Cream only needs 48 grams, making the Vanilla Ice Cream the lighter option overall. The Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, which some users may prefer for a satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's lighter forces make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Avocado being the heavier option and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch is 3.4 mm, which is slightly shorter than the travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Avocado's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a slightly faster response than the Vanilla Ice Cream. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better option for you. In either case, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch offers a neutral and unobtrusive sound signature, ensuring a quiet and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, adding a distinctive auditory element to the typing process. This difference in sound profiles provides users with unique options to tailor their keyboard sound to their preferences, whether they prefer a subtle backdrop or a more noticeable and energetic clicking noise.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Avocado is described as being accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile experience that is responsive, satisfying, and immersive without being overwhelming. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery and creamy feel, evoking a smooth and effortless keystroke experience reminiscent of its dessert-inspired name. These qualities make the typing experience enjoyable and comfortable, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and keypress sensations.
Overall, both the Bsun Avocado and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Avocado excels in providing a tactile and responsive typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel paired with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sensations and auditory feedback, ensuring that users can find the perfect switch to match their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a distinct tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy feedback, the Avocado switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you when making your decision.
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