Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Ice switches. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their distinctively clacky sound and a palpable tactile bump that many typists find satisfying. Their sharp and resonant qualities make them a favored choice for those who appreciate feedback while they type. In contrast, the TTC Ice switches offer a completely different experience with their linear design, featuring a smooth and responsive typing feel coupled with a luxurious bottom-out sound. This makes them an appealing option for gamers and casual users alike, seeking seamless keypresses without distraction. Both switches have their unique strengths—whether you crave tactile feedback or prefer a fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Ice each utilize distinct materials for their switch housings that play a significant role in the typing experience and sound profile. The Bamboo Green opts for PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a neutral sound profile that is neither too sharp nor dull, allowing for a balanced acoustic experience. The characteristics of PBT contribute to a subtle sound output that can be appealing for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing, making it suitable for quieter environments or extended typing sessions.
In contrast, the TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for its housings, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the sound’s resonance, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback upon key activation and release. This material choice makes the TTC Ice particularly suitable for users who favor a more dynamic sound experience, especially appealing in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion, enhancing the visual elements when using RGB lighting—an aesthetic advantage that the Bamboo Green does not offer due to its opaque PBT composition.
Ultimately, while the Everglide Bamboo Green's PBT housings bring a muted, balanced sound profile, the TTC Ice's polycarbonate housings lend themselves to a more vibrant and pronounced auditory experience. If one were to combine components from both switches strategically, they could achieve a nuanced typing feel that draws on the strengths of both materials. For example, using a polycarbonate upper housing with a PBT bottom could create an interesting blend: the upper housing could provide that clear resonance upon key release, while the bottom housing ensures a grounded feel when bottoming out. This balance allows users flexibility in tailoring their keyboard experience to their liking, showcasing the diverse characteristics of each material without compromising overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, we can observe some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Ice has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making the Bamboo Green the lighter option. In terms of bottom out forces, the Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Ice's bottom out force is slightly lower at 60 grams. This indicates that the Bamboo Green provides a stronger push feel at bottoming out despite its lighter actuation force. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may prefer the Bamboo Green for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the TTC Ice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer and potentially more satisfying for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times often sought by gamers. If you value a more pronounced tactile feedback and a hearty depth when typing, the Bamboo Green would be the better choice. However, if you lean towards rapid key presses and a more abrupt feel, the Ice switch could suit your needs better. Overall, the Bamboo Green offers a deeper experience, while the TTC Ice provides a snappier touch, reflecting the differing preferences in today’s keyboard-switch market.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, which is high-pitched and resonant. This distinct auditory experience is created when the switch is pressed, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound that lends itself well to those who appreciate a more high-frequency acoustic environment. If you enjoy the bright, bubbly tones in your keyboard typing, these switches will provide that satisfying sonority. Conversely, while the TTC Ice linear switch is lauded for its smooth and responsive feel, specific details regarding its sound profile are not provided. However, it is mentioned to produce a "satisfying bottom-out sound," suggesting a relatively pleasing auditory experience, possibly contrasting with the Bamboo Green’s more vibrant, clacky acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch displays a notable tactile quality, defined by a stepped action that allows for a distinct two-stage keystroke. This means that typists can experience a clear tactile bump that strikes a balance between being pronounced enough to be engaging without being overwhelming. The switches also exhibit sharp tactile feedback, allowing for impactful confirmation upon each press. Additionally, their polished nature contributes to a smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall quality of keystrokes. In contrast, the feel of the TTC Ice switch is not explicitly characterized, leaving a gap in understanding how its linear and presumably smoother action compares against the deliberate feedback of the Bamboo Green.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Ice linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bamboo Greens excel in providing a lively acoustic experience with distinct tactile feedback that many typists and gamers might find engaging, while the Ice switch focuses on a smooth linear action and a pleasant bottom-out sound, albeit with less detail on its tactile characterization. If users are drawn to auditory feedback and tactile sensation, Bamboo Greens will likely resonate more, whereas those who favor a smooth and quieter typing experience may find value in the Ice switches. In either case, personal preference will dictate the best choice, as both switches deliver unique qualities that may appeal differently depending on individual typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preference and specific typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a clacky, high-pitched sound that makes each keystroke feel engaging, the Bamboo Green is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance while typing, making it suitable for both typing and general use. The distinctive stepped and sharp tactile feel of the Bamboo Green can enhance the experience for those who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear experience—especially for fast-paced gaming or less tactile typing—the TTC Ice switch may be more aligned with your needs. With its 60 grams bottom-out force and a crystal-clear design, the Ice offers a sleek, responsive feel without the added texture of a tactile bump. It thrives in environments requiring quick key presses, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday tasks. Ultimately, assessing how you like to type and what sound profile appeals to you will guide your decision between these two switches.
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