Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences when it comes to typing. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force for a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red offers brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects with its frosted light diffuser. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red differ in their housing materials, which in turn affects their sound profiles. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Red uses a polycarbonate top housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Everglide Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red features a nylon bottom housing. Both housing materials contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The PBT bottom housing in the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
It's important to note that the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of a switch differs. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, regardless of the material used, have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red have different housing materials, their overall performance may still yield similar results depending on the specific sound and feel preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is 43 grams, slightly lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Red's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires a force of 62 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Red only requires 50 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice compared to the Bamboo Green. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes and potentially reduces fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the Bamboo Green with its higher actuation and bottom out forces would be a better option.
Considering weight is crucial as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch, such as the G Pro 3.0 Red, might find it beneficial for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more tactile and pronounced keystroke experience might appreciate the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Bamboo Green.
While there are differences in force requirements between the two switches, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role. Some users may find that the slight variation in actuation and bottom out forces between the Bamboo Green and the G Pro 3.0 Red might not significantly impact their typing experience. Ultimately, considering personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience will be vital in determining which switch is the most suitable choice.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Bamboo Green tactile switch or the G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 is best described as having a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the moderate range, suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced typist, and regardless of whether you use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Although different in sound profile, both switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch can be described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. These switches provide a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactility is prominent but not overwhelming, striking a balance that appeals to many users. Additionally, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is characterized as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. These switches have a gentle feel that is approachable to most users and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer polished finishes that contribute to a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch differ in sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switches provide a clacky sound with sharp and crisp tactility, offering a more immersive auditory experience. In contrast, the G Pro Red switches have a neutral sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience. However, both switches have polished finishes, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a mild yet distinct tactile feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a creamy and gentle typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you value a clacky sound signature and a crisp and sparkling tactility, then the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is the one for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying auditory experience with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Bamboo Green offers an accented and sharp tactile feel, making each keystroke distinctive and intense. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience with a budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is your best bet. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a neutral sound profile and offers a creamy, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a buttery and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red depends on your preference for sound, feel, and budget.
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