Bsun Avocado vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Avocado and the HMX Xinhai are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Avocado is a tactile switch, known for its satisfying feedback with a snappy, responsive bump and a buttery downstroke. It offers a pronounced tactility without overwhelming acoustics, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch that boasts a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. It provides a bouncy and clacky feel, with a creamy typing experience. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics and benefits, making them suitable for different 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Avocado and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Avocado and Xinhai diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Avocado features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai also uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound experience to the Avocado.
Despite their similar top and bottom housing materials, the Avocado and Xinhai may still offer distinct typing experiences due to the unique qualities of each material. For example, when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The Avocado's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing. However, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both switches. Therefore, while they share the same top housing material, the differences in bottom housing may still lead to variations in typing feel and sound.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the HMX Xinhai play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. While they both feature nylon bottom housings, the Avocado's deeper and fuller sound profile may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Xinhai. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of each switch, highlighting the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Avocado has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams, making it slightly heavier to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Avocado requires 65 grams to fully press down, while the Xinhai only needs 45 grams, making it lighter overall. The Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Xinhai offers a lighter touch for potentially longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences. The Avocado's heavier forces may be preferred by those seeking a more pronounced typing sensation, while the Xinhai's lighter touch may be ideal for users looking for a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, whether you opt for the Avocado or the Xinhai, you can rest assured that your typing experience will be smooth and consistent with a travel distance of 3.4mm.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, providing an unobtrusive typing backdrop. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as having a unique acoustics profile with a softer top housing and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, giving it a distinct clacky sound when pressed. Depending on your personal preference, the Avocado offers a quieter typing experience while the Xinhai delivers a more pronounced and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is characterized as offering an invigorating tactile experience with a snappy and reactive feel, providing pronounced feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Avocado leaning towards a sharper and snappier feel, while the Xinhai offers a bouncier and smoother typing sensation.
Overall, the Bsun Avocado and HMX Xinhai switches each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Avocado excels in providing a tactile experience with a subtle sound signature, the Xinhai stands out for its distinct acoustics profile and bouncy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a snappy and pronounced tactility or a smooth and creamy typing experience, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the BSUN Avocado tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, responsive feel, the Avocado may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched sound, the Xinhai may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the type of feedback you find most satisfying.
Mentioned in this article
