Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Beer mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches known for their unique characteristics. The Bamboo Green is praised for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, giving it a distinct feel categorized as 'Stepped', 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Sharp', 'Resonant', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer offers a different experience with its refreshing lightweight design and stepped tactility, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped'. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, making them suitable for various users. 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
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Beer both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both the top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor too dull. In contrast, the Beer switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Beer switches results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. While both materials have their own characteristics, the choice between PBT and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Beer also play a significant role. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the Beer switches allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard with colorful lighting effects. On the other hand, the solid color of PBT used in the Bamboo Green switches offers a more subtle and understated look. Both materials have their own visual appeal, with polycarbonate lending a modern and vibrant feel, while PBT exudes a classic and timeless aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and desired aesthetics for the keyboard.
When it comes to the performance of the switches, the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Beer affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Beer switches contributes to a more pronounced and crisp sound, creating a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the PBT housing of the Bamboo Green offers a more subdued sound, providing a more relaxed typing experience. While both materials have their strengths, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of durability and overall quality from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer switch is lighter in both aspects. The Bamboo Green has a medium actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Beer has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Beer switch would require less force to activate and press all the way down compared to the Bamboo Green switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Beer switch would be the better option. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Bamboo Green switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Beer switch the shorter option between the two. A 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. Gamers who prioritize speed and quicker response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Bamboo Green switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Bamboo Green providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Beer. So, depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and comfort level.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. Both switches provide distinctive sound signatures that can enhance the typing experience, with the Bamboo Green being more high-pitched and resonant while the Beer is more clacky.
Moving on to feel, the Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as having a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. The stepped design of the switch offers two tactile stages, providing a unique typing experience with both pre-travel and post-travel feedback. The accented and sharp tactile bump ensures a strong and crisp keystroke feel, while the polished finish contributes to smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press and stepped feel, offering gentle resistance during key presses for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Bamboo Green being more pronounced and refined while the Beer is more effortless and low-impact.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green excels in providing a high-pitched, resonant sound with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feel, ideal for those seeking a distinctive and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, perfect for users looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, along with a clacky sound signature and sharp tactility, the Bamboo Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, along with a refreshing feel, stepped tactility, and a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and typing experience.