Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch. The Bamboo Green switch offers a unique clacky sound signature combined with a crisp and sparkling tactility, making it a favorite among typists. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch boasts a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness that many users appreciate. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Yellow have notable differences in their housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. It neither has a crisp nor dull sound, providing a pleasant and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Users often describe this sound as clacky, adding a distinct character to each keystroke. The contrasting sound profiles between the two highlight the individuality of their housing materials.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Bamboo Green and the Ink Yellow also exhibit distinct qualities. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing maintains its neutral sound profile, ensuring a consistent typing experience. The bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing, providing a solid and satisfying feedback while typing. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to a thin and higher-pitched sound profile. This creates a distinct clacky sound when typing, which some users find particularly enjoyable.
However, it is worth noting that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a distinct tactile response. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when letting go of a key, adding a unique auditory element to the typing experience. Although the materials may differ, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Yellow provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bamboo Green switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for smoother and more effortless keystrokes. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or lengthy gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Ink Yellow switch with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. The heavier forces exerted by the Ink Yellow switch provide a satisfying and noticeable push feel while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. The Bamboo Green switch is lighter in terms of force, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Ink Yellow switch provides a firmer and more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in similar outcomes if the user prefers a medium actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. However, it is important to note that both switches offer a relatively standard travel distance for mechanical key switches. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered traditional, while a 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower.
The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and specific use cases. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Yellow with its 3.5 mm travel distance might be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. In this case, the Bamboo Green with its 4.0 mm travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, it is essential to consider your desired level of depth and responsiveness when making a decision between these two switches.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 is best known for its high-pitched and resonant qualities. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as having a neutral and clacky sound profile. The sound is moderate, suitable for most purposes, and has a sharp and snappy characteristic. It is important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
As for the feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a range of sensations. Being a stepped switch, it provides a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactility is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the switch has a sharp bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. Moreover, the Bamboo Green switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a more gentle typing experience. It is described as mild, providing a smooth and approachable feel to most users. Just like the Bamboo Green, the Ink Yellow switch is also polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into consideration all the available information, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It offers a stepped feel with accented tactility and a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a smoother sound profile and a mild typing experience. Both switches feature a polished finish for smooth key travel. If you prefer a sharper sound and stronger tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a gentler typing experience, the Ink Yellow switch would be a better fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a clacky sound signature and medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green is a great choice for you. These switches provide a crisp and sparkling tactility that enhances your typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Bamboo Green switches will fulfill your auditory preferences.
On the other hand, if you desire a linear switch with medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the way to go. These switches offer a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. The Ink Yellow switches are known for their pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making them a favored option for those who prefer a neutral and clacky sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches are characterized by their stepped, accented, sharp, and polished attributes. You can expect a tactile experience with a distinct and prominent tactile bump. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switches provide a mild typing experience, suitable for most users. The polished finish guarantees smooth and refined key travel.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches have their unique characteristics and excel in different areas. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force. Assess your priorities and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and desired auditory and tactile experiences.
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