Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are several factors to consider including sound profile and tactile experience. Two popular options to compare and contrast are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It falls into the categories of 'Stepped', 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Sharp', 'Resonant', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued sound profile with a crunchy feel. It produces a quieter but unmistakably clicky sound and is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that make it appealing. 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
75g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh Box Mute Jade differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Bamboo Green's PBT top housing offers a neutral sound profile that is neither dull nor crisp. It does not produce a sharp or high-pitched sound, making it suitable for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the switch's visual appeal.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Bamboo Green and the Box Mute Jade exhibit notable differences. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its bottom housing, resulting in a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. However, the Box Mute Jade employs nylon as its bottom housing material. This gives the switch a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller typing experience.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials has a significant impact on the switch. The bottom housing influences the sound and feel when you press down on the key, while the top housing affects the sound when you release the key. Therefore, with the Bamboo Green, the neutral PBT housing material contributes to a consistent and understated typing experience, both when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, the Box Mute Jade delivers a sharper and crisper sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the deep and full sound when typing. Despite their differences, both switches excel in providing unique and satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, there are significant differences in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Bamboo Green has a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Box Mute Jade's heavier 75 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and responsive feel.
In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green measures at 62 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Box Mute Jade's 82 grams. Bottom out force refers to the force required to fully press the key down. With a lighter bottom out force, the Bamboo Green provides a softer landing when typing, which can be beneficial for reducing finger strain and fatigue over extended periods of use. The Box Mute Jade, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more solid and pronounced keystroke, which can be preferred by users who desire a more robust and impactful typing experience.
Overall, while the Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is significantly heavier in both aspects. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and gentler typing experience, the Bamboo Green would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you desire a stronger and more substantial typing feel, the Box Mute Jade would provide the desired results.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. These two switches offer slightly different travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being the longer of the two. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while a distance of 3.6mm is slightly shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you value responsiveness, the Bamboo Green with its longer travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deep key press, the Box Mute Jade with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the ideal choice. In summary, while these switches have different travel distances, they both offer their own advantages, and the choice between them depends on individual preferences and typing or gaming style.
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 Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 produces a high-pitched and resonant sound. These switches have a sharp and crisp sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a quieter sound profile while still maintaining its unmistakably clicky nature. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a crunchier sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. With both switches, you can expect a distinct and satisfying sound, albeit with different characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as stepped and accented. These switches offer a medium tactile experience with a mild bump that can be felt during keypresses. The tactility provided is not overwhelming nor subtle, striking a balance that many users appreciate. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches are known for their polished feel, offering smooth and refined keystrokes due to reduced friction and possible factory lubing. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch also features an accented tactile experience, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overly sharp or scratchy. Similar to the Bamboo Green, the Box Mute Jade switches are polished, resulting in a smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, boasting a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. The Box Mute Jade clicky switch, on the other hand, offers a quieter but unmistakably clicky sound with a crunchy feel. Both switches provide an accented tactile experience that strikes a balance between a subtle and overwhelming tactility. Additionally, they both offer a polished feel, leading to smooth and refined keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, each switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy the characteristics mentioned, you can expect similarly desirable results from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a crisp tactile experience when typing, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it strikes a good balance between actuation force and tactile feedback. The high-pitched and resonant sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the ideal option. With a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, it provides a satisfying crunch feel while still maintaining a quieter sound signature. The accented and polished feel of the Box Mute Jade adds to the smooth and refined typing experience. Overall, the Bamboo Green is suitable for those seeking a clacky and tactile typing experience, while the Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who prefer a clicky switch with a quieter sound profile. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.