HMX Game1989 vs. Everglide Bamboo Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics and the typing experience they offer. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its depth and thockiness, delivering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke ideal for gamers seeking precision and speed. Its linear nature means there’s no tactile bump or audible click, allowing for a quiet typing experience that can be beneficial in shared spaces or during late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Bamboo Green is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and a pleasingly crisp tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a more engaging and responsive feel while typing. The Bamboo Green's distinct characteristics, categorized as 'Stepped,' 'High-pitched,' 'Accented,' 'Sharp,' 'Resonant,' and 'Polished,' provide a stimulating tactile experience that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for sound and feel—whether one prefers the smooth, silent action of the 1989 or the pronounced tactility and acoustics of the Bamboo Green. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Bamboo Green, notable differences in housing materials come to the forefront, particularly in the sound profiles they produce. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant feedback when keys are pressed. In contrast, the Everglide Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top housing, providing a more neutral sound profile that is less crisp and more subdued. While both materials serve functional purposes, the polycarbonate's translucence makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual aesthetics alongside acoustic properties.
Switching to the bottom housings, the HMX 1989 employs nylon, a classic material widely recognized for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, yielding a duller and rounder tonal quality that contrasts sharply with the PBT bottom housing of the Everglide Bamboo Green. Like its top counterpart, the Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing facilitates a neutral sound profile, ensuring that the overall auditory experience remains balanced but lacking the warmth that nylon can impart. Since the bottom housing directly influences the bottom-out sound, the nylon of the HMX 1989 enhances the acoustic richness that typists may find appealing.
In summation, although the HMX 1989 and Everglide Bamboo Green have different materials for their respective housing components, they can achieve comparable performance by virtue of their design attributes. While the HMX 1989 has a distinct sound signature due to its polycarbonate and nylon materials, delivering a sharper attack and fuller bottom-out feedback, the Bamboo Green offers a more subdued experience with its PBT components. Ultimately, the combined effects of each housing material shape the typing experience, allowing different preferences for sound and feel based on individual user's needs. By acknowledging both the top and bottom housing roles, typists can expect a well-rounded performance from either switch, albeit with notable tonal differences.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The 1989 switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which makes it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, making it feel more substantial upon bottoming out. While both switches have similar actuation forces, the Bamboo Green’s greater bottom out force may give users a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless actuation for prolonged usage, the HMX 1989 is the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and don’t mind the added weight when bottoming out, the Bamboo Green could be more appealing.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that the distance from the top to the bottom of each switch is identical. As a result, users can expect similar feedback and keypress feel when using either switch. This equal travel distance means that both switches will provide comparable typing experiences, allowing for consistent performance and engagement regardless of the choice between the two. Thus, there's no distinction in terms of travel distance between the HMX 1989 and the Bamboo Green, making them equally viable options for those seeking a specific keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 the sound profile, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky auditory experience, which typically produces a rich, bassy tone that many enthusiasts seek for a satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a high-pitched sound signature characterized by sharp and crisp tones. This high-frequency exposure contributes to a more resonant and immersive auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a cleaner and sharper sound as opposed to the deeper notes of linear switches. While both switches may yield unique sounds, the final outcome can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard casing and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke typical of linear switches, which means it lacks the tactile feedback found in its counterpart. The Everglide Bamboo Green excels in its tactile response, offering a stepped feel with a distinct two-stage actuation, making it easier to differentiate between key presses. The tactility is accentuated, providing a medium intensity that strikes a balance—it's noticeable but not overwhelming. Additionally, the Bamboo Green showcases a polished finish, adding to the overall smoothness during typing, which contrasts with the more streamlined experience of linear switches like the HMX 1989.
Taking into account the sound and feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is an excellent choice for those who enjoy deeper, thocky sound profiles and smooth key presses without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green caters to individuals who appreciate distinct tactile sensations and a lively auditory experience with a sparkling, high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the preference for either switch comes down to whether you value the rich bass characteristics and smoothness of linear switches, or the crisp, resonant, and tactile feedback of tactile switches. Both options serve their own niches effectively, ensuring you'll find a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when determining whether to choose the HMX 1989 linear switch or the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prefer a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience, particularly for gaming or fast-paced activities, the HMX 1989 is a solid choice; its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams ensures quick actuation and minimal strain during extended use. Additionally, this switch offers a unique thocky sound that enhances the auditory experience without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with typing and appreciate a more pronounced auditory signature, the Bamboo Green's 62-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance coupled with its crisp, high-pitched resonance. This switch is ideal for those who value a responsive typing sensation and the clacky sound profile that appeals to many typists. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to your personal preference for feel and sound; if you prefer smooth action and softer acoustics, go for the HMX 1989, while those who favor tactile feedback and a richer sound experience will find the Bamboo Green more satisfying.
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