Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on typing style and desired feedback. Taking the spotlight are the Everglide Bamboo Green switches, known for their distinct clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing users with a satisfying typing experience that feels both polished and resonant. These tactile switches are particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more intentional feedback while typing, often preferred by gamers and typists alike for their engaging feel. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switches offer a linear typing experience that is smooth and effortless, thanks to their ultra-low 40g actuation force. This makes them an excellent choice for those who favor fast-paced typing or longer sessions without the distraction of tactile bumps. Each switch has its unique allure: the Bamboo Green for its tactile richness and musicality, and the Grape Orange for its lightweight, seamless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and Huano Grape Orange switches, the differences in their housing materials lead to notable contrasts in their sound profiles. The Bamboo Green features a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, which is characterized by a neutral sound profile that is neither overly crisp nor dull. This moderate sound quality often results in a smooth typing experience, making the switch feel balanced and versatile in various typing scenarios. In contrast, the Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly alters the auditory experience by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction may feel particularly pronounced for users seeking a livelier auditory feedback while typing, especially if they're utilizing RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency.
The bottom housing materials further emphasize the differences between these two switches. The Bamboo Green employs a PBT bottom housing, which mirrors the neutral auditory qualities seen in its top housing. This results in a coherent sound experience that is consistent across both the top and bottom of the switch. On the other hand, the Grape Orange features a nylon bottom housing characterized by its deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and thicker auditory experience when bottoming out. Consequently, while the Bamboo Green leans towards a balanced sound, the Grape Orange offers a pronounced depth that may appeal to users looking for a richer typing experience.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings of each switch plays a critical role in shaping their overall performance. Since different materials contribute distinct auditory and tactile qualities, the Bamboo Green's harmonious blend of PBT in both top and bottom housings ensures a unified sound experience. Conversely, the contrasting materials of the Grape Orange provide a unique outcome, where the crispy top housing complements the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing. While users may achieve desirable results from either switch, the specific preferences in sound and feel will largely influence their choice between the two options.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium resistance switch, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press and better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its low resistance. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter switch, while the Bamboo Green is heavier. These differing forces mean that users seeking a lighter touch will find the Grape Orange more appealing, whereas those who prefer a firmer feel may opt for the Bamboo Green. Overall, selecting between these switches hinges on personal preference for weight and force feedback during use.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Bamboo Green measuring 4 mm, while the Grape Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Bamboo Green, being the longer of the two, offers a more traditional switch experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback as they press down on the key. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Grape Orange might cater to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation for faster response times. This difference highlights the choice between a fuller depth with the Bamboo Green and a more rapid action with the Grape Orange, making your decision dependent on personal preference for key feel and performance.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 characterized by a high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. They produce a clacky sound signature that is sharp and crisp, which can appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This sound provides a lively and immersive typing experience, effectively enhancing the tactile engagement. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switches do not have a specified sound profile, so their auditory qualities are unknown. However, as with all switches, the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material, which means that even linear switches could produce varied sounds depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches offer a distinctly tactile experience with several descriptors such as stepped and accented. The keypress feels as if it has two stages, providing a mild yet satisfying tactile response that strikes a balance between being overly pronounced and subtle. The sharp feedback makes each keystroke notable, and the polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switches, which are linear, do not deliver a tactile bump but are known for their exceptionally light actuation force of 40g. This makes them ideal for prolonged typing sessions, as they allow for an effortless downward motion without the additional feedback from a tactile or clicky mechanism.
In conclusion, the Bamboo Green tactile switches stand out for their engaging sound and dynamic tactile feedback, making them great for users who enjoy an auditory and physical connection while typing. The Grape Orange linear switches provide a significantly lighter and simpler feel, aimed at comfort and efficiency, although their sound characteristics remain unspecified. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you value a tactile and auditory experience or prioritize a smooth, effortless action in your typing. If you're looking for tactile feedback that is lively and sharp, go for the Bamboo Greens, while those who prefer a more streamlined keypress should consider the Grape Oranges for their light touch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a pronounced bump and a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Bamboo Green switches may be the perfect fit for you. Their medium actuation force of 62 grams provides a satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a clackier auditory response. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, the Grape Orange switches, with their notably low actuation force of 40 grams, will cater well to your requirements. This switch's smooth operation without tactile feedback makes it ideal for tasks like gaming or extensive writing, where a seamless and effortless feel is paramount. By considering how you type, what feedback you enjoy, and the sound profile you prefer, you can confidently make a choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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