Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for enthusiasts are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, they have distinct differences that may appeal to different users. The Bamboo Green switch is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch is praised for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, along with a higher-pitched clack. The Bamboo Green switch's stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished categorizations highlight its characteristics, while the Ink Box Pink switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and it will depend on individual preferences to determine which one is the best fit. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches both utilize different materials for their top housings. The Bamboo Green's PBT top housing offers a neutral sound profile, providing neither a crisp nor a dull sound. In comparison, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While not overly sharp, it is often described as clacky. These differences in sound profiles can result in varied typing experiences between the two switches. Pressing down on the Bamboo Green switch will provide a neutral and relatively unremarkable sound, while the Ink Box Pink switch will produce a distinctive and higher-pitched sound.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Bamboo Green and Ink Box Pink switches both employ different materials. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing offers a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. This ensures consistency in the typing experience, providing a well-rounded sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. This clacky sound is distinct and adds a unique touch to the switch. Therefore, while both switches have a neutral bottom housing sound, the Ink Box Pink switch stands out with its higher-pitched and clacky sound.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. The Bamboo Green switch provides a neutral sound profile for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a distinct and higher-pitched sound with its proprietary INK blend materials for both the top and bottom housings. Consequently, pressing down on the Ink Box Pink switch and releasing a key will produce a more noticeable and clacky sound compared to the Bamboo Green switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, some similarities and differences arise. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Although the actuation force of the Ink Box Pink is slightly higher, both switches require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect similar results when it comes to typing or gaming with these switches. However, in terms of bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires a slightly heavier force, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Gamers, who value faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. This allows them to quickly press and release keys, enhancing their overall gaming experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a more substantial depth when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Box Pink will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness for 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 Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 comparing the sound of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, they have some similarities. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. However, the Bamboo Green switch is also described as resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch is described as clacky, creating a sharp and snappy sound. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the choice of board and keycaps, these descriptions give us a general idea of what to expect. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound, either switch would likely meet your preferences, although the Bamboo Green may provide a more resonant experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer slightly different experiences. The Bamboo Green switch is described as stepped, indicating that it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also considered accented, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch is known for its sharp and crisp tactile bump, delivering a strong feedback intensity. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and enabling smooth key travel.
In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Bamboo Green switch, the Ink Box Pink switch is also polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switch produces a clacky sound with a resonant and immersive auditory experience, while the Ink Box Pink switch has a higher-pitched clack. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch is stepped, accented, and polished, providing a sharp and crisp tactile bump, while the Ink Box Pink switch is silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but both can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing feel with a lighter touch, the Ink Box Pink switches would be more suitable. In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green switches produce a higher-pitched and resonant sound, while the Ink Box Pink switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green switches provide a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, while the Ink Box Pink switches offer a silky and polished typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience.