Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh BCP represent two distinct approaches to tactile and linear designs, respectively. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their sharp, high-pitched sound signature and pronounced tactility, delivering a clacky auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a delightful sensation, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate mechanical feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switches reinvent the beloved Black Cherry Pie through custom molding, resulting in a smooth and elastic typing experience characterized by a creamy texture and a bouncy feel. Users who favor linear switches will enjoy the quiet, uninterrupted keypresses that prioritize speed and fluidity, perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions. Both switches have unique features that cater to different user preferences; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and Kailh BCP switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. PBT is known for its durability and resistance to wear, and in this context, it provides a neutral sound profile that feels balanced while typing. This allows for a sound experience that is neither sharp nor overly muted, making it a versatile choice for users who appreciate clarity without harshness. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon housing, which inherently creates a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer material properties. This means that while the sound of the BCP is subjectively richer and more rounded, the Bamboo Green offers a more straightforward typing experience with its neutral audio profile.
When considering how these two switches perform during typing, the differences in housing material affect both the acoustics and the tactile feel. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing tends to produce sounds that resonate less and feel firmer upon bottoming out, which translates to a more concise feedback experience. Conversely, the nylon housing of the BCP captures sound more effectively, delivering a lower-pitched tone that can be perceived as a deeper thump upon keystrokes. This impact on sound can create an atmosphere that some users find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a softer typing experience. When released, the BCP's nylon will continue to emit a slightly rounder sound, showcasing its unique acoustic characteristics compared to the more straightforward release of the Bamboo Green.
Despite these differences, users may still find similarities in their typing experiences, particularly in terms of overall functionality. Both the Bamboo Green and BCP switches offer a solid performance for gaming and typing, but the sound profiles determine user preference more than functionality. The PBT of the Bamboo Green, while neutral, may cater better to those who prefer a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience, whereas the BCP's nylon appeal might resonate with users looking for an enhanced aural experience. Ultimately, both housing types bring their unique qualities to the table, enabling users to choose based on their sound preferences and tactile needs.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the 52 grams required for the Kailh BCP, making it more suitable for users who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is 62 grams, slightly lower than the BCP's 63.5 grams, which indicates that while both switches exhibit medium to medium-heavy force requirements, the Bamboo Green offers a marginally lighter overall experience. In summary, those seeking a softer touch might prefer the Bamboo Green for both actuation and bottoming out, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who favor a quicker response time often sought by gamers. Consequently, if you prioritize a more pronounced key press, the Bamboo Green is the better choice, while the BCP offers a more immediate actuation that may appeal to those who enjoy a brisker typing experience. Overall, the Bamboo Green is the longer switch, and the BCP is the shorter one, leading to differing experiences based on user preferences.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 characterized by a distinctively clacky sound signature. This produces a high-pitched, resonant auditory experience that many typists find pleasing, particularly those who prefer crisp and sharp sound profiles. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, but generally, linear switches tend to be quieter than tactile and clicky variants. If you're considering more of a subdued auditory output, you would expect the BCP to provide a smoother and less pronounced sound, basically minimizing any clackiness that the Bamboo Green might produce.
Regarding feel, the Bamboo Green switches exhibit a stepped tactile feedback, where typists can distinctly perceive two stages during key presses. This moderate tactility, described as accented and sharp, delivers a strong feedback intensity with each keystroke while remaining manageable and not overly aggressive. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch focuses on a creamy, viscous, and elastic feel, emphasizing smooth key travel rather than tactile bumps, thus providing a bouncier experience. This means that if you’re drawn to tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green would be more fulfilling, whereas the BCP delivers a smoother linear experience devoid of any notable tactility.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bamboo Green shines with its sharp, resonant, and tactile input, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Kailh BCP offers a smoother, quieter typing experience with a bouncy feel. Depending on what you prioritize—auditory feedback and tactile response with the Bamboo Green or the smoothness and subtlety of the BCP—your choice will significantly differ, ensuring that you achieve the typing experience that best fits your style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a clackier sound profile and a distinct tactile feel, the Bamboo Green is a suitable option, particularly for typists who appreciate the satisfying feedback of stepped, sharp tactile feedback without being overwhelming. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a balanced feel that keeps long typing sessions comfortable while still delivering that pronounced tactile response. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and more viscous typing experience, the Kailh BCP may be your switch of choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides a firmer feel, while its poppy, clacky sound profile can enhance your auditory experience without the need for disassembling the switches for maintenance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and ease of maintenance; both options cater to different preferences in the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches.
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