Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, to the HMX EMO, a linear switch, there are noticeable differences that cater to various preferences in typing experiences. The Everglide Bamboo Green is praised for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a tactile response that is characterized by distinct, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished qualities. On the other hand, the HMX EMO offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. While the Bamboo Green appeals to those who enjoy distinct tactile feedback, the EMO caters to those looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX EMO both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Bamboo Green features PBT top and bottom housings, which provide a neutral sound profile that is neither very crisp nor dull. In contrast, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials results in varying sound experiences for users, with the PBT offering a more subtle sound compared to the more distinct sound produced by the polycarbonate.
While the Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing maintains its neutral sound profile, the EMO's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials adds another layer to the sound experience of the switches, with the Bamboo Green offering a more understated sound compared to the EMO's rich and fuller sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX EMO will come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the PBT of the Bamboo Green providing a more neutral sound while the polycarbonate and nylon of the EMO deliver a crisper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a subtle sound or a more pronounced one, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Bamboo Green has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the EMO's 40 grams, making it slightly more resistant to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams of force, which is heavier than the EMO's 46 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green may offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the EMO provides a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options compared to the HMX EMO linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Bamboo Green offers a more traditional travel distance, while the EMO provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers for its faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the EMO, while those who enjoy a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual 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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound experience, producing sharp and crisp noises when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch's sound profile is not explicitly described, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by variables like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is known for its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile qualities. It provides users with a two-stage tactile experience that is prominent but not overwhelming, offering a distinct and satisfying feedback with each keypress. In contrast, information regarding the tactile feel of the HMX EMO linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches.
Taking all available information into account, it is evident that the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by its unique tactile feel and high-pitched sound profile, while the HMX EMO linear switch boasts a lively typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force. If someone were to choose between the two based solely on these qualities, they would get different results in terms of sound and feel. However, without specific information on the tactile feel and sound of the HMX EMO switch, it is difficult to make a definitive comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX EMO switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a sharp, crisp tactile feedback with a clacky sound profile, the Bamboo Green might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a bouncy, smooth typing experience with a clacky feel, the HMX EMO could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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