Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CM mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that make each switch unique. The Bamboo Green switch is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It provides a stepped and high-pitched feel, accentuated by its sharp and resonant characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. It offers a smooth typing experience with its impeccable factory lube job, giving a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, the lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM switch provides a bouncy typing experience. However, to truly determine which switch is the best fit for you, it is essential to delve deeper into their nuances, ensuring you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CM differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, while the CM has a nylon top housing. The PBT top housing provides a neutral sound profile, neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the CM offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when letting go of a key.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green has a PBT bottom housing, while the CM utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green also offers a neutral sound profile. It does not produce a distinctly crisp or dull sound. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the CM contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is worth noting that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the respective qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron CM provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, but the specific acoustic characteristics differ due to the varying housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the CM requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, both switches are relatively similar. The Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the CM has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green would be a suitable option with its lower actuation force. It allows for quick keystrokes and may be ideal for continuous typing or extended gaming sessions. However, those who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing may lean towards the CM switch with its heavier actuation force. This gives a more satisfying and solid typing experience.
Overall, the Bamboo Green is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the CM is slightly heavier. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, which is considered a more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm, making it a more shallow option. Gamers, who value faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances. In this case, the Gateron CM linear switch would be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a more hearty and tactile feel when pressing down on a key, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be the better option due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that typing on these switches will produce a sharp and crisp sound, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. This results in a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, so the choice between them depends on personal preference and the desired sound profile for your keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch provides a stepped, accented, and sharp tactile experience. The switches have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel that is not overwhelming but also not too subtle. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, offering high feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. The switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing seamless, effortless, and uniform. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Similar to the Bamboo Green switch, the CM switch also has a polished finish, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound signature with a sharp and crisp tactility, while the CM offers a richer, deeper sound signature with a smooth gliding sensation. When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green has a stepped and accented tactile experience, while the CM provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Based on these qualities, individuals seeking a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a sharp tactile bump may prefer the Bamboo Green switch, while those looking for a deeper, thocky sound and a smooth, effortless typing experience may lean towards the Gateron CM switch. However, it is essential to consider personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps used, to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a clacky sound signature, crisp tactility, and a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a richer and deeper sound signature, and an effortlessly smooth typing experience, the Gateron CM switches would be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green switches have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can provide a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the CM switches have a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and more satisfying sound during key presses.
As for the feel, the Bamboo Green switches have a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feel. This means you will experience a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, along with a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the CM switches offer a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, reduced friction, and a seamless typing sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches and the Gateron CM linear switches will depend on your preferred sound profile, bottom out force, and tactile feel. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prioritize a clacky sound with crisp tactility or a deeper sound with a smooth typing journey, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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