Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Glory Yellow. The Bamboo Green is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a pronounced clack and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying and responsive. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate an audible click and tactile bump, providing a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow features a linear design that ensures a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance. As the heavier option in the Glory lineup, it caters to users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted flow while typing, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or a more serene environment. While both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, choosing between them ultimately hinges on whether you value tactile feedback and auditory response or a smooth and quiet keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, one notable difference lies in the choice of materials. The Bamboo Green features a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) top and bottom housing, which is praised for delivering a neutral sound profile. This neutrality means that while the typing experience may not be distinctly crisp or dull, it remains balanced and even. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow is constructed with nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material known for yielding a deeper, rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, contributing to a fuller auditory experience during typing.
Despite the differences in their respective housing materials, both switches manage to create a satisfactory typing experience, albeit through different sound profiles. The Bamboo Green, with its PBT construction, may provide a more straightforward sound that feels consistent across its usage, whereas the Glory Yellow benefits from the inherent qualities of nylon that lend itself to a deeper resonance. This difference in auditory feedback affects how the switches feel in practice. For instance, when typing with the Glory Yellow, users may notice a softer landing due to the nylon's properties, while the Bamboo Green presents a sound that is reliably neutral, making it versatile for various typing preferences.
Ultimately, while the Bamboo Green and Glory Yellow switches utilize distinct materials, their impact on user experience can still converge in terms of performance. The Bamboo Green's PBT offers durability and a consistent sound profile that many enthusiasts cherish, while the Glory Yellow's nylon delivers a unique, full-bodied auditory experience. For those who appreciate clarity in sound and feel, the Bamboo Green may align better with their needs, but users looking for a richer acoustic experience may prefer the Glory Yellow. Both switches contribute to the overall mechanical keyboard experience but do so in ways that highlight their individual material advantages.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams, which is considered medium-light, compared to the heavier 50 grams required for the Gateron Glory Yellow. This means that the Bamboo Green switch is easier to press, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In terms of bottom out forces, the Bamboo Green reaches 62 grams when fully pressed down, providing a more substantial feedback feel. Conversely, since the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unspecified, we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch experience might gravitate towards the Bamboo Green, while those who favor a slightly heavier actuation might consider the Gateron Glory Yellow.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they have identical travel characteristics. This similar travel distance means that users will experience comparable key feel and responsiveness when pressing these switches. As a result, both switches are likely to deliver similar tactile feedback and actuation feel, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a short travel distance in their typing experience. With their shared specifications, either switch would provide consistent results 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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant quality. When typing on these switches, users enjoy a clacky auditory experience that is sharp and crisp, making every keystroke feel lively and pronounced. This sound is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more vibrant acoustic feedback while typing, as it adds an engaging element to the overall experience. In contrast, while the specific sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch are not detailed here, it is essential to note that linear switches like the Glory Yellow typically produce less audible feedback than tactile switches. They often offer a smoother, quieter operation, which can be preferable for users seeking a more subdued sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches are designed with a stepped and accented tactile experience, providing distinct feedback that is both sharp and polished. The tactility is noticeable but not overwhelming, giving users a clear sense of when a key has been actuated. This combination of attributes makes for an engaging typing experience, where the tactile bump is significant without being difficult to manage. Conversely, because the feel characteristics of the Glory Yellow linear switch are unspecified, we can rely on common traits associated with linear switches. Generally, linear switches are known to provide a smooth typing experience without significant tactile feedback, making them ideal for users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes and a more fluid typing motion.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron Glory Yellow switches cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green offers a dynamic and crisp auditory experience complemented by a pronounced tactile feedback that makes each keystroke satisfying, while the Glory Yellow, though not explicitly defined in sound and feel, likely provides a smooth, quieter option that many find appealing for versatility and efficiency. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal typing style and whether you lean toward a more pronounced tactile feel or a smoother, linear experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feedback with a pronounced bump and enjoy the auditory experience of a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, the Bamboo Green is likely the better fit for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams ensures that you can type comfortably and feel the distinct stages of each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a more engaged, tactile experience without being overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a consistent feel and less auditory disturbance, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a delightful typing experience. Although its specific bottom-out force isn't available, this switch is designed for a smooth travel, making it a great option for both gamers and those who type quickly and frequently. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile responsiveness of the Bamboo Green or the fluidity of the Glory Yellow, your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable in your typing experience.