Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Everglide Bamboo Green switches stand out for their distinctive clacky sound and crisp, sparkling tactility, making them an excellent choice for those who desire audible feedback while typing. Their stepped, high-pitched resonance provides a pronounced sensory experience that many typists and gamers find gratifying. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switches offer a smooth, linear experience characterized by their remarkably low actuation force, which allows for effortless keystrokes. They provide a satisfyingly clacky, poppy sound while delivering an ultra-light touch that can enhance speed and efficiency in typing and gaming. While the Bamboo Greens cater to users who thrive on tactile feedback and sound, the Hibiscus appeals to those seeking smoothness and speed. However, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Hibiscus switches, a notable distinction lies in the types of plastics used—PBT for the Bamboo Green and nylon for the Hibiscus. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both its top and bottom housing, which provides a neutral sound profile. This neutrality results in a typing experience that is neither overly crisp nor dull, with consistent acoustics throughout. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus features nylon, a classic material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. The softer nature of nylon facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, significantly different from the Bamboo Green's neutrality.
While the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a consistent acoustic experience, the HMX Hibiscus’s nylon contributes to a contrast in sound profiles. Since nylon absorbs more sound, the Hibiscus presents unique acoustic qualities compared to the crisp, neutral attributes of PBT. However, this difference leads to a divergence in the user experience when typing; the HMX Hibiscus imparts a distinct depth to the sound with each keystroke, while the Bamboo Green provides a more balanced and reliable typing experience. Ultimately, these differential acoustic profiles highlight the inherent characteristics of their respective materials.
Despite the differences in sound produced by the top and bottom housings of each switch, they share the common goal of providing quality user experiences. In the case of the Bamboo Green, both housings work together to deliver a uniform sound experience, while in the HMX Hibiscus, the nylon materials mean that the impact of sound will be felt differently depending on whether the key is pressed or released. This illustrates the nuanced influence of housing materials on sound and feel during typing, ultimately emphasizing that choosing between the two would hinge on personal preference for either a more neutral sound experience or a richer, fuller acoustic profile.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Hibiscus boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a significantly lower bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. As a result, the Hibiscus is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be an issue. Meanwhile, the heavier Bamboo Green provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Ultimately, users may achieve a similar typing experience in terms of actuation by considering their preference for either a lighter or heavier overall feel, but the Bamboo Green will require more force when bottoming out compared to the Hibiscus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, it is evident that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hibiscus features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Bamboo Green may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depths during key presses, offering a tactile experience that feels more substantial and fulfilling. In contrast, the Hibiscus, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to cater to those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—if you appreciate a more robust feel, go for the Bamboo Green; but if you lean towards speed and immediacy, the Hibiscus may be the better option.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 stand out with their clacky, high-pitched acoustics that provide an engaging auditory experience. The sharp and resonant characteristics of these switches make them ideal for those who appreciate a cleaner and more refined auditory environment while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switches also deliver a satisfyingly clacky and crispy sound profile, which hints at a vibrant and lively typing experience. While both switches share these clacky tonal qualities, the specific nuances of each sound might vary based on the keyboard build and keycaps, but the propensity for high-pitched tonality remains a shared feature.
In terms of tactile feel, the Bamboo Green switches offer a stepped response that engages typists through noticeable, sharp feedback with every keystroke. This tactile profile conveys distinct stages in the keystroke, making it appealing for users who enjoy a more structured and rhythmic typing experience. The tactile bump is accentuated yet polished, providing a blend of intensity and smoothness that keeps key presses satisfying without being overwhelming. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switches is described as unparalleled in smoothness, which suggests a simpler, more linear experience lacking in tactile bump. This sleek finish likely aims to deliver a seamless typing journey, focusing on effortless key travel rather than tactile feedback.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Hibiscus switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bamboo Greens excel in a clacky sound and provide a medium tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel deliberate. Conversely, the Hibiscus switches prioritize smoothness and a consistently linear experience with a similar clackiness in sound. Ultimately, depending on whether one prefers tactile feedback or an ultra-smooth linear typing experience, each switch can deliver distinct yet enjoyable results.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy the engaging feedback of a tactile switch with a medium bottom-out force, along with a pronounced, clacky sound that resonates crisply, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate tactile sensations during their keystrokes and for those who may also enjoy a slightly elevated auditory response while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a notably lighter actuation force, the Hibiscus linear switch would suit you better. Its refined smoothness and gentle responsiveness make it perfect for frequent gamers or typists who seek speed and fluidity in their keystrokes without the distraction of tactile bumps. By understanding your typing style and preferences, you can make a more informed decision that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
