Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference and intended use. The Everglide Bamboo Green is a tactile switch renowned for its sharp, clacky sound signature and crisp tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a more textured and engaging typing experience. Its stepped design offers an accentuated feel that can enhance both accuracy and satisfaction during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny, a linear switch featuring a UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a smooth, unrestricted keystroke with a balanced sound profile that’s ideal for gamers and those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. While the Bamboo Green may be more suited for users who thrive on tactile feedback and acoustic responses, the Briny appeals to those who value fluidity and minimal noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Keygeek Briny each utilize distinct materials for their switch housings, which markedly influences their sound profiles and user experience. The Bamboo Green features a PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a neutral sound profile. This material, though relatively unseen in switch housings, strikes a balance in auditory feedback, offering notes that are neither overly crisp nor dull. The emphasis on neutrality allows for a versatile typing experience, making it suitable for a variety of settings, from casual use to more serious typing tasks. Users often appreciate the consistency in sound that comes from PBT, which can contribute to a more stable typing experience across differing environments.
In contrast, the Keygeek Briny opts for nylon in its top and bottom housing, a classic switch housing material that brings a unique and deeper sound profile to the typing experience. The inherent softness of nylon not only contributes to the auditory feedback but also enhances sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that many users find satisfying. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more muted keystroke sound, making it a compelling alternative for environments where discretion is paramount. The distinction in material means that a Briny user will experience a different auditory response compared to a Bamboo Green user, with nylon providing a more resonant typing experience.
Despite their differences, there are points of comparison that can lead to similar results in terms of user experience. Both switches utilize two contrasting housing materials that each affect the sound profile—while the Bamboo Green provides more neutrality, the Briny delivers a fuller auditory sensation. Regardless of the specific characteristics of each material, users will notice that the typist’s experience remains focused on the overall feel and sound quality when pressing and releasing the keys. As the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences, whether through PBT's evenness or nylon's depth.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams and bottoms out at 62 grams, while the Briny has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a comparable bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for lengthy typing sessions or prolonged gaming, whereas the Briny, with its heavier actuation force, may provide a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, suggesting that while they may feel different during the initial actuation, the overall experience of bottoming out is fairly similar.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects varying preferences for tactile feedback and responsiveness in keyboard switches. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may favor the Briny’s shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster key presses and reduces actuation time. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel, the Bamboo Green’s longer travel distance might be preferable, offering a more satisfying depth when typing. Thus, if you choose the Briny for its speed, you might find that its shallower travel gives you a brisk and responsive experience, while the Bamboo Green offers a more traditional typing feel.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. Typing on these switches produces a clacky sound that is both sharp and crisp, creating an engaging and immersive auditory experience. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant and lively sound compared to the deeper, bass-heavy profiles of other switches. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny switch has an undefined sound profile, but its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing suggest a balanced sound that may lean towards a more subdued auditory experience. While the Bamboo Green grabs attention with its piercing tones, the Briny could potentially offer a more neutral acoustic, though individual experiences may vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
On the feel side, the Bamboo Green switch displays a notable stepped tactility, characterized by a pronounced two-stage feel. This switch does not offer overwhelming feedback but provides a clear and defined tactile bump that is both sharp and accented. Users can expect a medium level of tactility, making it suitable for typists who appreciate discernible feedback without excessive resistance. Furthermore, the Bamboo Green's polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience with minimal friction. In contrast, the tactile characteristics of the Keygeek Briny remain unknown, so it is difficult to make any side-by-side comparisons regarding feel. Depending on the Briny's design and engineering, it may provide a different typing experience altogether.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch excels in delivering a crisp and resonant sound with a well-defined tactile experience, the Keygeek Briny switch’s sound and feel qualities remain largely unspecified. If you're looking for a keyboard switch that emphasizes sharp auditory feedback and clear tactile response, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. However, the Briny switch could offer a different experience, and without detailed descriptions of its sound and feel, it’s challenging to predict how it would compare in practice. Ultimately, both switches cater to diverging preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape, and those looking for tailored experiences should consider personal taste and intended use when making a selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy the distinctive clacky sound and sharp tactile feedback that the Bamboo Green offers, this switch is a fantastic option for typing, especially if you appreciate the heightened auditory experience that accompanies it. This switch is ideal for those who like a more pronounced tactile bump and a resonant sound that can provide a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a balanced sound profile that doesn’t draw too much attention, the Keygeek Briny might be the better choice. The Briny's linear action ensures a smooth keypress without the tactile feedback, making it perfect for gaming and fast-paced typing without distractions. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and consistent keypress. Choose accordingly based on how you prefer to interact with your keyboard, as both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Mentioned in this article
