Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, it becomes clear that each offers unique qualities catered to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is renowned for its clacky sound signature paired with crisp tactility, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro boasts a fully polycarbonate construction, resulting in a bright and chirpy sound that complements its silky smooth typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a linear switch with a unique material blend. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro differ in their housing materials, with the former featuring PBT top and bottom housings while the latter utilizes polycarbonate for both. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green provides a neutral sound profile that is neither too sharp nor too dull, making it ideal for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Crystal Pro offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This can result in a more clear and resonant typing sound, particularly suitable for users looking for a more defined auditory feedback.
While the Bamboo Green and V3 Crystal Pro have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are spread out across the switch. The PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, contributing to its overall typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro also influences the typing sound and feel, creating a more pronounced bottom-out sensation. The top housing, whether PBT in the Bamboo Green or polycarbonate in the V3 Crystal Pro, plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, adding to the overall auditory feedback of the switch.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro differ, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing compositions. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green provides a neutral sound profile, ideal for those seeking a balanced typing feel, while the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Crystal Pro offers a sharper and crisper typing sound for users looking for a more defined auditory feedback. Despite these differences, both switches excel in providing quality typing experiences, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, the actuation force of the Bamboo Green is slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the V3 Crystal Pro at 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is heavier at 62 grams, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro is slightly lighter at 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-weight category, making them suitable for a variety of users. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Bamboo Green for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro. Overall, while there are slight differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being slightly longer. Gamers might prefer the V3 Crystal Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, as it can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Bamboo Green with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving users a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch boasts a chirpy sound signature that adds a unique squeak to each keystroke. The material used in the construction of the switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound produced during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch provides a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, offering users a distinct tactile bump and a smooth key travel. On the contrary, the V3 Crystal Pro switch offers a bouncy and polished typing sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Both switches prioritize different aspects of tactility and feedback, catering to the preferences of users who may prefer a more pronounced tactile feel or a smoother key travel.
Overall, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, they both offer high-quality performance with their own unique attributes. Whether you prefer a clacky and sharp sound with a sparkling tactility or a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, both switches are designed to enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, you should consider the sound and feel preferences that best suit your typing style. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile with a sharp and sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Crystal Pro switch is a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feel and sound of the Bamboo Green or the smooth linear feel and unique sound of the Crystal Pro. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences for the best overall experience.
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