Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that provide different typing experiences are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CJ. The Bamboo Green switch is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It falls into the category of stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished switches. On the other hand, the CJ switch offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. Typing on the CJ switch brings higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. It is categorized as chirpy, neutral, mild, low-pitched, and thocky. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities that make them appealing, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CJ differ in their housing materials, with the Bamboo Green using a PBT top and bottom housing, while the CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile that is not very crisp but also not dull. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the CJ produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Bamboo Green and the CJ have different materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT bottom housing that contributes to a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. The CJ, on the other hand, incorporates a POM bottom housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. The POM housing of the CJ brings a unique and pleasing sound experience.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Bamboo Green and CJ vary in material, their impact on the switch's sound and feel is split between the bottom and top. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a more neutral sound profile, the CJ's combination of INK blend and POM brings a pointed and deeper sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium force category. The Bamboo Green switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly lighter than the CJ switch's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green switch is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the CJ switch's 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green switch may be the better choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This could be beneficial for individuals who tend to type for extended periods, as it reduces fatigue and strain on the fingers. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the CJ switch, with its slightly heavier actuation force.
It is worth noting that despite their differences in force, both switches provide a similar level of responsiveness. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing feedback and efficiency. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch offer options to cater to individual needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience, ensuring a comfortable typing or gaming session. Whether you choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Gateron CJ linear switch, you can expect similar results and a delightful typing experience.
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 Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 clacky sound with a high-pitched and resonant profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound with a clean and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a higher-pitched clack sound that is described as chirpy. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the CJ switch offers a low-pitched thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying. Although the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps, the Bamboo Green and CJ switches provide different sound experiences.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a stepped and accented tactile feel. This means that it has a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch also has a sharp tactile bump, providing strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. Furthermore, the Bamboo Green switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a mild typing experience. It offers a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. While the specific feel of the CJ switch is not provided, its mild nature suggests a smooth linear action without any significant tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its clacky sound with a high-pitched and resonant profile. It offers a stepped and accented tactile feel with a sharp tactile bump and a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack sound described as chirpy. It offers a mild typing experience without significant tactile feedback. While the Bamboo Green and CJ switches provide different sound and feel experiences, the CJ switch can still provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a smoother and more gentle action.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lower bottom out force and enjoy higher-pitched clacks along with an impossibly smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ switch would be a better fit. Consider your preference for sound and feel - whether you prefer a higher-pitched, resonant sound or a chirpy, thocky sound, as well as if you prefer a stepped, accented, sharp, or polished feel versus a mild feel. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience.
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