Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Gold Red offer distinct characteristics catering to individual preferences. The Bamboo Green switches are revered for their clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. Classified as 'Stepped', 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Sharp', 'Resonant', and 'Polished', these switches provide a unique typing experience. Conversely, the Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing feel with a light-medium level of resistance. They have a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', these switches offer a more subdued experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so that you can choose the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Gold Red switches differ in several aspects. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. It provides a sound that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects. Therefore, those who prefer a more balanced sound and aesthetic customization may lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those seeking a sharper and visually appealing sound may opt for the Gold Red.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green employs a PBT material, which aligns with its top housing. This reinforces its neutral sound profile and lack of crispness or dullness. On the other hand, the Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. As a result, the Gold Red elicits a duller and rounder sound, appealing to individuals who prefer a richer auditory experience.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing material differs depending on whether it is used in the top or bottom housing. Pressing down on a switch primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, thereby showcasing the qualities of the bottom housing material. Meanwhile, the sound emitted when a key is released is more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, users can anticipate distinct acoustic experiences when using the Bamboo Green or the Gold Red, with the former offering a more balanced sound and the latter delivering a crisper and sharper sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Bamboo Green has a medium actuation force of 43 grams, while the Gold Red also has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in similar results in terms of responsiveness. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Bamboo Green has a higher force of 62 grams compared to the Gold Red's lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
Considering weight, the Bamboo Green switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a more durable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch's lighter bottom out force can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch will depend on personal preference and typing style. For those who prioritize a heavier and more pronounced keystroke, the Bamboo Green with its higher bottom out force would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, individuals who prefer a lighter and smoother keystroke may find the Gold Red switch more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar experience to the user.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 are best known for their high-pitched and resonant characteristics. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that add personality to your keyboard, with the Bamboo Green switches being more high-pitched and resonant, while the Gold Red switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches can be described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. These switches provide a tactile experience with two stages, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactility is prominent but not overwhelming, making them suitable for those who prefer a medium tactile switch. The feedback intensity of the tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a satisfying feel with each keystroke. The polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel. These switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone in terms of characteristics. The typing feel is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The resistance is gentle yet maintains a light typing feel, and the sound signature is not resonant, making these switches suitable for shared spaces. Like the Bamboo Green switches, the Gold Red switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are known for their high-pitched and resonant sound profile, stepped and accented tactile feel, and polished finish. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound, mild and silky typing feel, and also have a polished finish. While they have some differences in sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and more tactile feel with a higher-pitched sound or a smoother and more mild feel with a thocky sound, you can achieve similar results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and TTC Gold Red switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium level of resistance, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a clacky sound signature along with crisp and sparkling tactility, giving your typing a distinct and satisfying feel. Furthermore, if you appreciate a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Bamboo Green switches will offer an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and lighter typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be more suitable. These switches offer a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium level of resistance, making them comfortable and effortless to use. The snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Additionally, if you prefer a thocky or low-pitched sound profile, the Gold Red switches will provide a deep and rich sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value tactility and a medium resistance, go for the Everglide Bamboo Green switches. If you prioritize smoothness and a lighter feel, opt for the TTC Gold Red linear switches. Whichever you choose, both switches offer polished finishes for a sleek and refined typing experience.
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