Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider, including sound, tactility, and overall typing experience. Two popular options to compare and contrast are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch. The Bamboo Green switch is well-known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, making it a longtime community favorite. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point, diving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will help you determine the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Black V2 both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall performance. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the Ink Black V2 boasts a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing provides a neutral sound profile that is neither overly sharp nor dull. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2's INK blend housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This gives the Ink Black V2 a satisfying "clacky" sound, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent when you press down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. While both switches have different bottom housings, the specific qualities they bring to the overall experience will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch.
In terms of the impact on the sound when you release a key, the top housing material is more influential. However, the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green and the INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 both contribute to a relatively high-pitched sound. Thus, while the specific materials may differ, both switches will deliver a similar sound profile when you let go of a key.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials, with the Bamboo Green utilizing PBT and the Ink Black V2 featuring a proprietary INK blend. These materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, with the Bamboo Green offering a more neutral sound and feel, while the Ink Black V2 provides a satisfying clacky sound. However, when it comes to the impact on the sound when releasing a key, both switches will yield similar results due to their higher-pitched sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a heavier force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch will find the Bamboo Green more suitable for their needs, as it requires less effort to activate. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams of force, which is slightly lighter than the Ink Black V2's bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Bamboo Green provides a slightly softer landing when pressing the keys fully.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for users, as it can significantly impact their typing experience. Some people prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with a stronger push feel. For such users, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have varying actuation and bottom out forces, they both provide medium to medium-heavy resistance. Those seeking a lighter touch should opt for the Bamboo Green, while users who prefer a more pronounced feel might find the heavier forces of the Ink Black V2 more to their liking. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight variations in force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures that the user will have a satisfying keystroke, with a noticeable actuation point and a comfortable bottoming-out sensation. Whether it's the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, users can expect a comparable travel distance that enhances their typing or gaming experience.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility. It falls into the high-pitched category, producing a sharp and clean sound when pressed. This switch provides an immersive auditory experience with its resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its rich clack and smooth downstroke. It has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy characteristic, setting it apart from other switches. Both switches have polished finishes, which result in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is described as stepped and accented. It offers a mild tactility and has two stages in its keystroke, providing both pre-travel and post-travel sensations. The tactile bump is sharp and pronounced, allowing for a distinct tactile feedback with each keypress. Furthermore, the switch has a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch falls into the mild category. It offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Like the Bamboo Green switch, it also has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switch offers a clacky sound signature with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, accompanied by a stepped and accented feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a rich clack with a low-pitched sound profile and a chirpy characteristic, accompanied by a mild and polished feel. Both switches have polished finishes for smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a sharp, crisp tactility and high-pitched sound, the Bamboo Green switch is a great option. If you lean towards a smooth, mellow linear switch with a unique chirpy sound, the Ink Black V2 switch is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who appreciates a clacky sound signature and a crisp tactility while typing, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, making them medium in terms of force required. They offer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can provide a sharp and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches are described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, offering a distinct and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches have a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making them medium-heavy in terms of force required. They offer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which can provide a deeper and mellow tone during key presses. The Ink Black V2 switches are also described as chirpy, giving them a unique acoustic signature.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound with crisp tactility, go for the Bamboo Green. If you prefer a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, the Ink Black V2 is a great option. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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