KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Bamboo Green
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Bamboo Green. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, creating a delightful blend of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green switch offers a clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility. While the Ash Gray is known for its easy-to-press and mild characteristics, the Bamboo Green is categorized as stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Bamboo Green keyboards offer different housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top housing, resulting in a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. While both materials have their unique qualities, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green's PBT top housing goes unnoticed and offers a more subdued sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Bamboo Green also incorporates a PBT bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. Thus, both keyboards provide a similar sound experience in terms of the bottom housing materials.
It is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on either keyboard, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Bamboo Green ultimately depends on whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile (as provided by polycarbonate) or a more neutral sound experience (as offered by PBT).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Bamboo Green requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch may feel more responsive and easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams, while the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams. This indicates that the Bamboo Green switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to fully press down on the keys.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ash Gray switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without as much strain. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a heavier and more substantial push feel may opt for the Bamboo Green switch. The higher forces required for actuation and bottom out provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Overall, while the actuation forces and bottom out forces of the two switches differ slightly, both fall within the medium range. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of the general force required for typing. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Bamboo Green. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.5 mm falls within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. Opting for the Ash Gray would provide a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Bamboo Green for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most situations and preferences. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement with a moderate sound level. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch produces a high-pitched, resonant sound when pressed. It has a sharp and crisp sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Bamboo Green switch would be a better option for you. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It can be described as having a mild typing experience, which is approachable and comfortable for most users.
On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is described as a stepped and accented switch. Stepped switches have a two-stage tactile feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This provides a mild and medium tactile experience, not as pronounced as hypertactile switches. The Bamboo Green switch also offers a sharp tactile bump, providing strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Bamboo Green switches have different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, providing a blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound with a stepped and accented feel, offering a distinct tactile bump. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter sound and easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch will be a suitable choice. If you prefer a sharper sound with a more pronounced tactile bump, the Bamboo Green switch will fulfill your requirements.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a comfortable typing experience, with a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. The Ash Gray switch also offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In terms of sound, it has a neutral profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound signature and a pronounced tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch would be a better fit. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a solid actuation while producing a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed. The Bamboo Green switch offers a range of feels, including a stepped and accented tactile response, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming tactility. Additionally, its polished finish ensures smooth and frictionless key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Bamboo Green switches depends on your personal preferences for feel and sound. Consider whether you prefer a lighter and more subtle tactile feedback or a clacky and pronounced tactility, as well as the sound profile you find most pleasing. Happy typing!
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