Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Cloud - 50g

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, switch choice plays a significant role in the typing experience. The Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility that appeals to those who prefer a pronounced feedback while typing. With characteristics such as being stepped, high-pitched, and sharply resonant, it's ideal for users who appreciate a tactile response and the auditory satisfaction that comes with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, offers a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, boasting a similarly clacky sound profile but designed for enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter, more fluid feel during extended use. Its silky-smooth action makes it a great option for gamers and typists seeking speed and minimal resistance. While both switches have their unique qualities catering to different preferences, they each provide distinct benefits worth considering. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, it's important to note the distinctions in the types of plastic used. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. PBT is well-regarded for providing a neutral sound profile, which results in a typing experience that strikes a balance—neither overly crisp nor muddled. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switches incorporate nylon as both their top and bottom housing material. Known for its softer nature, nylon tends to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience that is perceived as rounder and less precise than that produced by PBT.

The differences in materials lead to varied auditory sensations when typing on these switches. Since the Bamboo Green features PBT, users can expect a more nuanced sound profile that offers a certain neutrality, making it versatile for different keyboard setups. This can be especially appealing to typists who prefer a sound neither too pronounced nor too understated. In comparison, the nylon housing of the HMX Cloud - 50g produces a distinctly more muted and dampened sound, enhancing the overall warmth of keypresses. The inherent softness of nylon not only affects the sound but also contributes to a more cushioned feel when bottoming out, thereby altering the tactile feedback experienced by the typist.

Despite these differences, users can achieve similar outcomes in their typing experiences with both switch types under specific conditions. For instance, if harmonizing sound profiles is a priority, utilizing keyboards that allow for dampening materials underneath the keycaps can blur the distinctions between the two housing types. Similarly, keycap selection can greatly influence the sound profile, allowing users to customize their setup further. Ultimately, whether utilizing the more neutral PBT of the Bamboo Green or the sound-absorbing nylon of the HMX Cloud - 50g, both switch types can be optimized to suit personal metrics of keypress feel and sound character.

Weight

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences in typing feel. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Cloud - 50g's actuation force of 42 grams; however, both are relatively close, resulting in a similar ease of keystroke triggering. In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green stands at 62 grams, which is significantly heavier than the Cloud - 50g's bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, the Cloud - 50g is lighter overall, appealing to users who prefer an easier push throughout their typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, for those who favor a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming periods, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, while the Bamboo Green may attract those who enjoy a stronger feel in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cloud - 50g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green offers a more pronounced key press, catering to those who enjoy a deeper tactile feel when typing. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g's 3.9 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive typing experience, as it allows for quicker key actuation. Therefore, if you favor a more hearty depth, the Bamboo Green would be the preferable choice, whereas the Cloud - 50g suits those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. In this case, the Bamboo Green offers a longer travel distance, while the Cloud - 50g provides a shorter option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a distinctly clacky auditory experience, characterized by its high-pitched and resonant qualities. This means that each keystroke produces a sharp and crisp sound that is quite satisfying for users who prefer a more expressive auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch also boasts a clacky sound profile, though it is important to note that the specifics of its acoustic qualities are less defined. The Cloud switch is marketed as a lighter variant, which may provide a bright typing experience, but without more detailed sound descriptors, one could expect a somewhat similar auditory result, albeit potentially less sharp than the Bamboo Green.

In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches exhibit a unique tactile feedback, described as stepped and accented, which translates into a medium tactile experience. This allows for a pleasant feedback as you type, with a distinct, sharp tactile bump that makes each keypress feel engaging. The switch's polished nature results in a smooth typing experience, reducing friction while maintaining the clear tactile signal. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g switch lacks specific descriptors for feel, leaving its tactile response and overall smoothness unknown. However, given that it is a linear switch, it would typically offer a smoother keystroke without the pronounced tactile bump, making it a different experience compared to the Bamboo Green.

In summary, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches present enjoyable sound profiles, with the Bamboo Green having specified high-pitched and resonant qualities while the Cloud's characteristics remain less defined. The tactile feedback distinctly separates the two; the Bamboo Green leans toward a textured typing experience with its stepped design, while the nature of the Cloud - 50g's feel is yet to be detailed. Ultimately, users will find that while the Bamboo Green provides a crisper auditory and tactile interaction, the Cloud - 50g offers a smoother and potentially lighter typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a more fluid approach to keystrokes.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel and sound. If you are someone who enjoys a medium actuation force with a vibrant auditory feedback, the Bamboo Green is an excellent option for you. Its 62-gram bottom-out force, combined with a crisp and resonant tactility, provides a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and a lively high-pitched sound profile. This makes it especially appealing for typists who favor an engaging, albeit slightly heavier feel and don't mind a more dynamic keypress sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, you should gravitate towards the HMX Cloud - 50g switch. With a 50-gram bottom-out force, this switch caters more towards enthusiasts who enjoy a silky-smooth feel with a bright typing experience. Its lighter actuation allows for quick repetitive key presses, making it more suited for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions without strain. Thus, you can confidently select the switch that aligns with your typing style and sound preferences, enhancing your ultimate mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

Learn more

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more