Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Kailh Box White V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh Box White V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh Box White V2 each offer unique sensory experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is celebrated for its distinctly clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility, making it an intriguing choice for those who enjoy a lively and resonant typing experience. With characteristics like sharp accents and a polished feel, these switches draw users who appreciate the harmonious blend of sound and feedback during use. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are favored for their pronounced clicky nature, providing crisp tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click that enhances the satisfaction of every keypress. While the Bamboo Green excels in delivering a detailed and refined touch, the Box White V2 appeals to those who thrive on the impact of a strong auditory and tactile response. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh Box White V2, notable differences arise between the two switches. The Bamboo Green employs a PBT top housing, which is known for its neutral sound profile. PBT, while relatively uncommon in switch housings, provides a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly sharp nor excessively dull. In contrast, the Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing that is distinct for its ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the rigid characteristics of polycarbonate. This material heightens the audio clarity, making it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting through its clear construction. Therefore, while the Bamboo Green produces a more subdued auditory experience, the Box White V2 enhances the overall sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
The differences extend to the bottom housing materials as well. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, similar to its top housing, which contributes to a uniform sound profile that maintains the switch's neutrality. Conversely, the Box White V2 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its soft texture that results in a deeper, fuller sound. This design choice underscores nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a rounder acoustic experience, complementing the crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. The contrasting materials impact the overall auditory output and tactile feedback, showcasing how different combinations can produce varied experiences.
Overall, the divergence in materials between these two switches creates distinct auditory profiles influenced by their respective top and bottom housings. While the Bamboo Green aims for a consistent neutral sound with its PBT materials on both ends, the Box White V2's combination of polycarbonate and nylon generates a wider range of auditory experiences. Each material's properties play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics of the switch; thus, while the Bamboo Green might yield a more balanced outcome, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in delivering a more dynamic and articulate sound profile coupled with an enhanced visual performance.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, we can see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Box White V2 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams but a much lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke, it becomes heavier when fully pressed down compared to the Box White V2, which is relatively easy to bottom out. Overall, the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it more suitable for users who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. In contrast, the Box White V2, being lighter in terms of bottoming out, may be favored by those looking for less fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, we find that the Bamboo Green offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Box White V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may affect the typing experience: the Bamboo Green's greater depth provides a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a satisfying keystroke, while the Box White V2's shorter travel may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more pronounced keypress, the Bamboo Green would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you lean towards enhanced speed and responsiveness, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better option.
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 White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 switches offer a clacky sound signature characterized by their high-pitched resonance, delivering a clean and sharp auditory experience when typing. This distinct sound, described as both high-pitched and resonant, creates an engaging ambiance that can be appealing to those who prefer a brighter acoustical profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches are recognized for their crisp tactile feedback and audible click, designed to provide a satisfying auditory response with each keystroke. While specific descriptors for the Box White V2's sound aren't provided, their clicky nature suggests a robust auditory experience that can also be pleasing, albeit potentially different in tonal quality from the Bamboo Greens.
When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Greens provide a stepped tactile sensation, allowing typists to experience two stages within the keystroke. This nuanced tactile feedback tends to feel more mild compared to hypertactile options, complemented by an accented quality that strikes a balance between being prominent yet not overwhelming. Additionally, the sharp tactile response is notable, offering high feedback intensity with a strong tactile bump, all while ensuring a polished feel that suggests reduced friction and pleasant key travel. In contrast, the specific tactile characteristics of the Box White V2 are not available; however, given they are labeled as clicky switches, we can infer that they likely offer a pronounced tactile sensation typical of switches in their category.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches stand out for their high-pitched clacky sound and multifaceted tactile qualities, the Kailh Box White V2 switches present their own satisfying clicky auditory signature. The Bamboo Greens provide a rich tactile experience with layers of feedback, but the lack of detailed information on the Box White V2’s feel leaves room for interpretation. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will largely depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback. Both switches are designed to deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but their unique characteristics will cater to different tastes among keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force combined with a unique sound profile, the Bamboo Green might be ideal for you. Its high-pitched, resonant clackiness, along with its sharp tactile feedback, offers an engaging auditory experience—perfect for those who enjoy a bit of flair while typing. Additionally, the stepped feel of the Bamboo Green switch can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort, especially during long sessions.
On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a pronounced clicky sound, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it’s easier on your fingers, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The crisp click and tactile feedback provide a satisfying response that many users find motivating and enjoyable. If you thrive in an environment where you want your keystrokes to be audibly satisfying and distinct without too much resistance, then the Box White V2 is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should align with what kind of feel and sound experience best fits your typing style and the atmosphere you want to create.