Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Bamboo Green switch is characterized by its clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch is known for its light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Moreover, it boasts a pleasantly mellow sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare use of ABS in its housing. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them appealing to different types of users. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in their housing materials, with the Bamboo Green utilizing PBT for both the top and bottom housing, while the Crystal Violet uses ABS for both. PBT, although relatively unseen in switch housings, offers a neutral sound profile with neither crispness nor dullness. On the other hand, ABS, commonly used in keycaps but rare in switch housings, provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile.
Despite these differences, both the Bamboo Green and the Crystal Violet share similar qualities in their housing materials. The neutral sound profile offered by PBT is mirrored in the low-pitched sound profile of ABS. This implies that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound when using either switch. Additionally, the use of unconventional plastics for switch housing in both models showcases the innovative nature of the Everglide brand in exploring different materials for improved switch performance.
However, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings of each switch play distinct roles in delivering certain attributes. The bottom housing, whether made of PBT or ABS, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Conversely, the top housing, regardless of the material used, influences the sound produced when releasing a pressed key. This distinction emphasizes the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch that suits personal preferences and typing experience.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Everglide Crystal Violet exhibit differences in their housing materials, with the former featuring PBT in both top and bottom housings, and the latter utilizing ABS for both. While PBT offers a neutral sound profile and ABS provides a relatively low-pitched sound profile, similarities can still be drawn between the two switches. It is crucial to consider the distinct roles of top and bottom housings in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two models depends on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Bamboo Green requires a lighter actuation force, coming in at 43 grams, while the Crystal Violet requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category when it comes to actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bamboo Green has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Considering weight, some users may prefer the Bamboo Green for its lighter actuation force and heavier bottom out force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Crystal Violet may be the preferred choice for those who aim for a more substantial typing experience but still desire a lighter bottom out force.
In summary, while both switches offer tactility and fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force, they differ in bottom out force. The Everglide Bamboo Green has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Crystal Violet has a lighter bottom out force for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green and Crystal Violet tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance plays a crucial role in typing experience, as it determines the amount of force and feedback a user feels when pressing down on a key. With both switches having an equal travel distance, users can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp and crisp, with a high-pitched profile. This creates an immersive auditory experience that may not be everyone's preference. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch has a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. The Crystal Violet switch's use of ABS in its housings also contributes to its unique sound qualities. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Bamboo Green being high-pitched and resonant, while the Crystal Violet is low-pitched and neutral.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. The stepped design provides a mild tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented nature of the switch means it offers a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The sharp tactile bump provides strong feedback with each keypress. Lastly, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is described as creamy, mild, and stepped. The creamy feel of the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, with a gentle typing experience. Like the Bamboo Green, the Crystal Violet switch also features a stepped design for mild tactility.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Crystal Violet switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump and polished finish for a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a mellow, low-pitched sound with a creamy feel and mild tactility. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a more immersive, high-pitched sound with strong feedback or a subtle, low-pitched sound with a smooth typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a clacky sound and a crisp, sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is the better choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the one you should opt for. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light. The Crystal Violet switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel, perfect for those seeking a more mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference for sound and feel, so choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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