Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Canglan V2 offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green is celebrated for its sharp, clacky sound and pronounced tactility, providing a delightful feedback that many typists crave. This tactile switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced bump with each keystroke, making it especially satisfying for typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 offers a smooth and feathery experience with its thocky linear design, which appeals to users who prefer a quieter yet richly textured keystroke. Its deep sound signature and light feel create a unique typing experience, perfect for those who may type for long periods without distraction. While both switches excel in their own right, offering unique auditory and tactile feedback, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 HMX Canglan V2 use distinct housing materials that play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Bamboo Green features PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. PBT is known for providing relatively neutral sound characteristics, resulting in a typing experience that is neither overly crisp nor dull. Instead, it creates a balanced sound environment, making it suitable for users who prefer a straightforward and versatile keystroke without significant auditory distraction. In contrast, the Canglan V2 employs nylon for its housing, which influences the auditory experience in a markedly different manner. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a typing experience characterized by a rounder and more muted auditory feedback, which many users may find more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Examining both switches, it becomes apparent that the differences in housing materials are not just about sound but also about the tactile experience. The Everglide Bamboo Green's PBT material is sturdier and less compliant, which can impart a firmer feel during each keystroke. The tactile response may lean towards immediate feedback without the lingering sensation of absorbency found in nylon switches. Conversely, the nylon housing of the HMX Canglan V2 is likely to deliver a slightly softer feel, allowing for a more cushioned bottom-out experience. This softness may appeal to typists who appreciate a more forgiving keystroke with less impact feedback, especially during prolonged use.
Despite these differences, users can attain similar overall typing results through careful selection of switches and board configuration. By considering elements such as actuation force, spring type, and stabilizers, one can customize their typing experience to better suit their needs, whether they prefer the neutral tone of PBT or the softer resonance of nylon. As the top and bottom housings contribute differently to sound production and tactile feel, enthusiasts can mix and match switch designs to create a hybrid experience, appreciating the nuanced qualities that each material brings while aiming for a harmonious total output in their keyboard setup.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance that can suit users looking for a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Canglan V2 offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a significantly lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Bamboo Green, being heavier, provides a more substantial feedback during keystrokes, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer tactile experience. Therefore, while the actuation forces are relatively close, the bottom out forces reveal a clear distinction, with the Canglan V2 being the lighter option overall, favoring those who prioritize lightness for comfort in prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Canglan V2 is shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Bamboo Green offers a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed, which can be more satisfying for users who prefer a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Canglan V2’s shorter travel distance is more in line with modern gaming preferences, enabling quicker response times that some gamers find advantageous. Thus, if you prioritize a more immediate feel and responsiveness, the Canglan V2 would be the suitable choice, while for those who enjoy the traditional depth of a keypress, the Bamboo Green is preferable.
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 Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 switches produce a distinctive high-pitched and resonant tone that gives a clacky auditory experience. This sharp and crisp sound can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant acoustic signature, making it stand out in a busy environment. On the other hand, the HMX Canglan V2 switches are characterized by their low-pitched, thocky sound profile, which provides a deeper, more bass-heavy resonance that feels satisfying with every keystroke. The contrast between these two sound profiles is striking; while the Bamboo Green offers a lively and sharp auditory experience, the Canglan V2 delivers a rich and soothing depth that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially in a quieter setting.
Feel-wise, the Bamboo Green switches are accentuated with a prominent tactile bump that delivers a sharp and distinct feedback on each press. This medium tactile response balances smoothness with a significant amount of resistance, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a discernible feel without it being overly harsh. Conversely, the Canglan V2 switches are known for their silky smoothness and feathery lightness, ensuring that users experience minimal friction and less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Their bouncy nature offers a delightful spring-back sensation, leading to a dynamic and enjoyable typing experience. Thus, the Bamboo Green is all about tactile feedback, while the Canglan V2 focuses on smooth and effortless key presses.
In summary, while both the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Canglan V2 switches serve different preferences in sound and feel, they cater to distinct typing experiences. The Bamboo Green excels in delivering a sharp, resonant sound with a crisp tactile feedback that suits those who appreciate a responsive typing style. In contrast, the Canglan V2 appeals to users who desire a deep, thocky sound combined with a silky and light feel for comfortable, fatigue-free typing. Depending on your personal preferences for auditory signatures and tactile feedback, you might favor one over the other, but both elevate the keyboard typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, consider the type of experience you're looking for. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a pronounced bump and a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a medium bottom-out force that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. This switch is particularly well-suited for typing tasks where auditory and tactile feedback enhance your enjoyment and productivity. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch with a softer thocky sound, the Canglan V2 will serve you well. It’s ideal for extended typing sessions, gaming, or general use where you want to minimize finger fatigue while still enjoying a satisfying auditory experience. The Canglan V2’s light actuation and silky feel also make it a formidable choice for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should align with the kind of feedback and sound profile that enhances your daily keyboard experience the most.