Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX EVA

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX EVA each offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is renowned for its clacky sound signature and crisp, tactile feedback that provides an engaging typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile response and enjoy the rhythmic sound of their keystrokes. Categorized as sharp and resonant, these switches evoke a polished feel that adds excitement to any typing task. Conversely, the HMX EVA, inspired by the striking colors of Evangelion Unit-01, presents a linear switch that boasts a smooth typing experience free from tactile bumps. This results in a whisper-quiet operation, perfect for users who prefer a more fluid feel for gaming or prolonged typing sessions. Each switch has its charm and use case, catering to different user needs and environments; 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 EVA 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 EVA, notable differences can be seen in their compositions and sound profiles. The Bamboo Green employs PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) for both the top and bottom housings. This material is known for offering a neutral sound that neither leans towards crispness nor dullness, providing a balanced auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX EVA utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributable to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to the harder PBT, resulting in a more subdued and rounder auditory output.

Despite the differences in materials, the composition of the housings ultimately influences the tactile feedback and sound experience in nuanced ways. With the Bamboo Green's PBT housings, users can expect a consistent performance where the neutral sound profile allows for a more uniform typing experience; the tactile feel will be consistent since both the top and bottom housings share the same properties. Conversely, the HMX EVA’s nylon housings introduce a distinct variation due to nylon's sound absorbing characteristics, which can translate to a deeper typing experience. However, it's important to note that the individual qualities of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role; for instance, the bottom housing's material will dictate the bottom-out feel more than the top housing will impact the key release sound.

Ultimately, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX EVA utilize different materials that lend themselves to unique sound profiles, both switches can yield pleasing performance based on their respective housing materials. Since the Bamboo Green's PBT provides a balanced and neutral sound while the EVA's nylon offers a deeper auditory experience, users may prefer one over the other depending on their typing style and auditory preferences. Regardless, the overall experience can still be deliberately tailored by recognizing how the distinct qualities of the housing materials contribute to the switch's response, whether that be in terms of sound or tactile feedback.

Weight

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suited for distinct typing preferences. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX EVA has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a significantly lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a light switch overall. While both switches require only a slight exertion to initiate a keystroke, the Bamboo Green demands a substantially higher force to bottom out, which can provide a more tactile feedback experience. This means that typists who favor a heavier feel may prefer the Bamboo Green, while those seeking a lighter, less strenuous option might opt for the HMX EVA, especially for extended use during work or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX EVA linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more pronounced depth when pressed down, resulting in a tactile experience that some users may find more satisfying and hearty. On the other hand, the EVA's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more responsive switch, often favored by gamers who rely on quicker response times. While both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences, the Bamboo Green's longer travel distance tends to cater to a preference for depth, whereas the EVA's shorter travel distance leans towards a quicker and potentially more abrupt keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are known for their distinctively clack sound profile, characterized by a high-pitched, resonant quality that adds an engaging auditory experience to typing. This sharp, crisp sound can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a more lively and energetic feedback while they type. Conversely, the HMX EVA switches, while lacking specific sound descriptors, are also known for their resonant sound signature. However, the lack of detailed information makes it challenging to compare their acoustic qualities directly, leaving uncertainty about how their audio characteristics might stack up against the Bamboo Green.

In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches offer a multi-dimensional tactile experience. They incorporate a stepped design, providing two distinct stages of tactile feedback, which allows for noticeable pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This mild yet pronounced tactile bump is complemented by an accented quality that strikes a balance between being overwhelming and subtle, resulting in a medium tactile feel that is both engaging and easy to type on. The sharpness of the tactile bump further enhances the experience, giving each keystroke a strong, distinct feedback. In contrast, the feel profile of the HMX EVA switches remains unknown, which means we cannot make a direct comparison in terms of tactile response.

In summary, users seeking an engaging typing experience may find the Bamboo Green switches appealing due to their sharp, high-pitched sound and pronounced, tactile feedback. They provide a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience that invites an energetic typing style. However, without detailed information on the tactile and acoustic qualities of the HMX EVA switches, it’s difficult to assess how they might perform in comparison. Thus, if you prioritize sound and feel, the Bamboo Green offers a clear advantage, while the EVA remains a mystery waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing style and personal preferences. If you delight in a tactile experience that combines a satisfying, clacky sound and a clear tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a nice balance: it's substantial enough to prevent accidental key presses while still being manageable for prolonged typing sessions. The high-pitched and resonant sound signature may appeal to those who prefer a sharper auditory experience. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, more fluid typing action with less force required for each keystroke, the HMX EVA linear switch is the way to go. With a light bottom-out force of just 48 grams, it offers a silky type feel that’s ideal for rapid input and gaming, making it a great choice for those who favor speed and efficiency. Given these characteristics, you’ll find that the Bamboo Green excels in producing tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, while the EVA shines in providing an effortless, quiet typing experience. Choose the switch that resonates best with your typing needs, and you’ll undoubtedly enhance your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

Learn more

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more