Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX FJ400 stand out for their distinct characteristics and tactile experiences. The Everglide Bamboo Green is celebrated for its high-pitched and sharp auditory feedback, providing a clacky sound signature that many typists adore for its lively responsiveness. This tactile switch offers a polished feel with a crisp and sparkling tactility, making it a great option for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, adding a dynamic element to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 presents a balanced sound profile, which makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience. As a linear switch, the FJ400 allows for swift key presses without the tactile bump, catering to gamers and typists who prefer minimal resistance and a more fluid action. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, but ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother keystroke experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
POM
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX FJ400, we note distinct characteristics in their construction, which contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Bamboo Green features a top and bottom housing made of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), a material that is not commonly used in switch housings. PBT is known for its neutral sound profile; it neither produces crisp, high-pitched sounds nor dull, muffled tones, resulting in a balanced auditory experience. In contrast, the FJ400 employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is recognized for generating a unique and satisfying sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in materials plays a crucial role in how each switch behaves acoustically, particularly in terms of the sound produced when keys are released.
The bottom housings of the two switches showcase further differences in material composition. The Bamboo Green uses PBT again, reinforcing its neutral sound characteristics that extend through the keypress, thus providing a consistent auditory experience. Meanwhile, the HMX FJ400's bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic choice known for its softer feel and sound-absorbing properties. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile compared to PBT. This difference in materials affects the tactile feedback and sound experience upon bottoming out, with the nylon providing a rounder sound due to its softness, while the PBT remains more neutral and reserved in its sound output.
Ultimately, while the Bamboo Green and the HMX FJ400 utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings, similar results can be achieved if you consider the unique characteristics each material brings to the switch's performance. Both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, but the nuances in sound profiles and tactile feedback will be distinct. The Bamboo Green’s uniformity in using PBT may appeal to those who prefer a consistent sound profile, whereas the FJ400’s mix of POM and nylon provides a richer auditory experience with deeper tones. Understanding the implications of each material allows users to choose switches that align with their preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams, which is lighter than the FJ400's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Bamboo Green more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Bamboo Green has a higher value at 62 grams compared to the FJ400's 58 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green is easier to press to activate a keystroke, it requires slightly more effort to fully depress than the FJ400. Therefore, those who favor a lighter actuation and a still substantial bottom out experience might lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance when pushing down all the way could find the FJ400 appealing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX FJ400 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that the Bamboo Green provides a more traditional and deeper feel when pressed, making it preferable for users who enjoy a tactile response and a more pronounced key depth. In contrast, the FJ400, with its shorter travel distance, could be more suitable for gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances generally allow for faster actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a hearty depth, the Bamboo Green is the better option, while the FJ400 caters to those who prioritize subtlety and speed in their keystrokes.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 switches deliver a distinctive clacky sound characterized by a high-pitched and resonant auditory signature. This sharp and crisp sound profile is particularly appealing to those who prefer a more lively typing experience over lower-frequency, bass-heavy sounds. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile. While the specifics of its sound characteristics are not detailed, the implication of balance suggests it may provide a less pronounced auditory presence compared to the Bamboo Green's vibrant clatter. Keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches offer a rich tactile experience. They are described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. This means that typists can expect a keypress that has defined stages with a medium level of tactility, delivering a pronounced feedback with each keystroke, which many users might find appealing for both typing and gaming. The polished finish contributes to a smoother and more refined typing experience, minimizing friction during key travel. On the other hand, the characteristics of the FJ400 in this regard remain unknown. Given that it is a linear switch, it may lack the tactile feedback that typists seek from a tactile switch like the Bamboo Green, leading to a more consistent keypress from start to finish without the same pronounced feel.
In summation, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch stands out for its vivid sound profile and rich tactile feedback, making it a favored choice for users who appreciate auditory and tactile sensations while typing. Meanwhile, the HMX FJ400 linear switch provides a balanced sound profile, though its feel characteristics are not specified, likely indicating a smoother experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but you can expect the Bamboo Greens to provide a more engaging experience, while the FJ400 may suit those who prefer a quieter and smoother keypress.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a sharp and clacky sound signature, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance while typing, making it suited for both typing and general use if you appreciate that classic tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a balanced sound profile, the HMX FJ400 would be more suitable for you. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 58 grams, it allows for a more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions without the distraction of a tactile bump or high-pitched sounds. Ultimately, consider what typing experience you are looking for: engagement and feedback with the Bamboo Green, or a fluid and subdued feel with the FJ400, and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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