Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the HMX Blue Topaz, a linear switch. The Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz stands out with its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience that many users find enjoyable. While the Bamboo Green offers a satisfying tactile feedback, the Blue Topaz ensures a smooth and effortless keystroke. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Blue Topaz differ in their housing materials, with the Bamboo Green utilizing PBT for both the top and bottom housing, while the Blue Topaz uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz creates a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green provides a similar neutral sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz produces a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Bamboo Green's PBT housing is more opaque and does not allow for RGB lighting, while the Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing is translucent and ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles with their respective housing materials - the Bamboo Green with a more neutral sound and the Blue Topaz with a sharper and crisper sound. The differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material choice in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
While the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Blue Topaz differ, both switches offer quality construction and unique sound profiles. The use of PBT in the Bamboo Green provides a consistent and reliable typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Blue Topaz's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharper and deeper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, as both housing materials contribute distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Bamboo Green has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Blue Topaz's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is 62 grams, whereas the Blue Topaz bottoms out at 48 grams, making the Bamboo Green the heavier option overall. The difference in weight can impact the typing sensation, with the Bamboo Green providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Blue Topaz offers a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation and bottom out forces for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier forces for a more tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being on the longer end and the Blue Topaz slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Blue Topaz for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
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 HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is both bright and percussive. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it is important to consider the overall setup when making a decision.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, offering a tactile typing experience with a distinct tactile bump and smooth key travel. In contrast, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press, with gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences among users.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch excels in delivering a tactile typing experience with a clacky sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a smooth actuation and lightweight feel, coupled with a visually striking housing that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Bamboo Green switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, easy-to-press linear switch with a distinctive glitter housing and clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
