Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green switch is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It has a stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for being a budget-friendly linear switch. It produces a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and offers a fairly bouncy typing experience. Its characteristics include being polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant. While these general pointers give an initial idea of what each switch has to offer, 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
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow differ in their housing material choices, which have distinct effects on the sound profiles of these switches. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which results in a neutral sound profile with neither a crisp nor dull tone. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Bamboo Green provides a more balanced and subtle tone, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a clear and resonant sound.
Moving to the bottom housings of these switches, the Bamboo Green and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow differ once again. The Bamboo Green features a PBT bottom housing, resulting in a similar neutral sound profile to its top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, on the other hand, utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to PBT. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Thus, while the Bamboo Green maintains its neutral sound throughout, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's sound is further impacted by the nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and more resonant sound.
When considering the overall experience of using these switches, it's essential to note the impact each housing material has on different aspects. The bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the nylon housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will contribute to a deeper and fuller sensation. On the other hand, the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will result in a sharper and more distinctive sound upon key release. Ultimately, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow have their own unique housing material characteristics, users can expect similar neutral sound profiles from their respective PBT top housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is 43 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams. These forces indicate the amount of pressure required to trigger a keystroke, with the Bamboo Green being lighter and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being slightly heavier.
In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams of force to fully press the switch down, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leaning toward the heavier side.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bamboo Green, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces can allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Ultimately, while the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ slightly, both switches provide a medium-level typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of force may find satisfaction in either option. The decision between the two switches may then come down to personal preference for either a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and equal distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar typing experiences and results with these two switches in terms of travel distance.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow have a high-pitched and resonant profile. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, without the rich and bassy tones of other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green is described as a stepped and accented switch. It offers a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactile bump is prominent but not overwhelming, providing a satisfying feedback with each keypress. Additionally, the Bamboo Green has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. Additionally, it is described as creamy, offering a buttery sensation when typing. This is likely due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch construction. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a gliding sensation with effortless keystrokes.
Based on the available information, both switches offer similar high-pitched and resonant sound profiles. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green provides a stepped and accented tactile experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a creamy and polished typing sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness and reduced friction, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
It's important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for an individual. The information provided gives a general understanding of the sound and feel characteristics of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. By considering these subjective qualities, newcomers can make an informed decision based on their own preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches would be a great choice. These switches provide a crisp and sparkling tactility, giving you a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a higher pitched clacky sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches would be a suitable option. These switches offer a fairly bouncy type feel and are known for their budget-friendly excellence. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your preferences and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.