Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Jelly represent two distinct preferences catering to different typing styles. The Bamboo Green, noted for its distinct clacky sound and sharp tactile feedback, offers a pronounced typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. This tactile switch is characterized by a stepped, high-pitched sound signature, providing a lively and polished auditory reward with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a smooth and deep thocky sound that appeals to users seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g and excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly switch prioritizes a fluid and effortless typing motion. While both switches have their unique charms—whether you favor the invigorating tactile feedback of the Bamboo Green or the serene glide of the Jelly—each ultimately caters to different user preferences. 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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Jelly switches offer distinct experiences based on their housing materials, which significantly contribute to the switches' overall sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. PBT is characterized by its neutrality in sound production, resulting in a typing experience that balances both depth and clarity without leaning towards a particularly crisp or overly dull profile. In contrast, the HMX Jelly incorporates nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon, known for its softness, creates a deeper and fuller sound experience due to its sound-absorbing properties, which leads to a more muted and rounded auditory response.
When comparing the top housings, the differences in material become key to the typing experience. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green provides a neutral tone, making it versatile for various typing styles, but it doesn't stand out in terms of sound character. Conversely, the Jelly's nylon housing produces a rounder and more pronounced sound, enhancing the auditory feedback received when lifting a key. The combination of these two materials results in different sound dynamics during actuation, with the Bamboo Green promoting a more balanced sound while the Jelly aims for a fuller auditory experience. Typists seeking a more energetic sound may find the Jelly preferable, while those who appreciate a cleaner, more neutral sound might gravitate towards the Bamboo Green.
In their bottom housings, the differences remain pronounced yet consistent with the respective characteristics of each material. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing maintains the neutral sound profile, subtly shaping the bottom-out feel without overwhelming the auditory experience. The HMX Jelly, utilizing nylon for its bottom housing, doubles down on the deeper sound profile, giving a satisfying thock-like sensation—something that detailed typists may find appealing. Ultimately, while both switch types deliver unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences in typing styles and sound aesthetics. Therefore, while the Bamboo Green's PBT offers a consistent neutral balance, the Jelly's nylon promotes a richer auditory depth, leading to an understanding of how the housing materials affect overall performance and experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch, which provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. While both switches have similar actuation forces, the Jelly's bottom out force is significantly lower, making it feel less demanding when pressed all the way down. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter touch might gravitate towards the HMX Jelly for comfort, while those who desire a stronger push feel should consider the Bamboo Green for its medium forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it becomes clear that there is a distinction between the two options. The Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preference for deeper key presses, offering a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to users who might prioritize quicker response times. While the difference is small, the Jelly's travel distance reflects a modern trend towards shallower switches, appealing particularly to gamers seeking rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green's longer travel distance may be more suitable, whereas the Jelly's shorter travel distance could provide a snappier feel for those who enjoy a fast-paced typing 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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 tactile switch produces a clacky, high-pitched sound signature that is both crisp and resonant. This sharp auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and energetic. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch delivers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that provides a rich, bassy timbre. While the sound profiles are distinctly different, both can create a satisfying auditory experience depending on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch offers a unique tactile experience characterized by its stepped and accented design. This means you experience two stages in your keystroke, along with a moderate level of tactility that is neither overly aggressive nor too subtle. The switch also features a sharp tactile feedback, giving each keypress a prominent and crisp sensation, which is further elevated by its polished finish that ensures smooth travel. The feel of the HMX Jelly linear switch, while highly praised for its smoothness due to impressive factory lube, remains undefined in terms of tactility compared to the Bamboo Green, as it bears no tactile bump. This creates a distinctly lighter and smoother experience during typing.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and HMX Jelly linear switch offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The Bamboo Green stands out with its responsive, high-pitched sound and nuanced tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy clear and energetic keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jelly switch appeals to users who prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a deeper auditory profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in both sound and feel, and both can deliver enjoyable experiences in their own right, showcasing the diverse options available in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience that combines tactile feedback with a lively acoustic profile, the Bamboo Greens may be your best bet. Their medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, high-pitched resonance, and crisp, sharp feel make them ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation and an engaging auditory experience while typing. This switch is particularly suitable for typists who thrive on feedback, allowing them to maintain accuracy without sacrificing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with less resistance, the HMX Jelly linear switch is likely more aligned with your needs. With a light actuation force of just 48 grams, along with its deep, thocky sound signature and exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly is perfect for gaming enthusiasts or anyone who favors swift key presses without tactile distractions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and ease of use.
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