Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two popular options that cater to different preferences are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Keygeek Keylin switches. The Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy not only the feel of each keystroke but also the audible feedback it provides. On the other hand, the Keylin switch is a linear option that utilizes advanced molds to deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by rich acoustics, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. While the Bamboo Green enhances typing with its distinctive feel and sound, the Keylin prioritizes a seamless and fluid experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Keygeek Keylin, a noticeable distinction arises in their choice of plastics. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for providing a neutral sound profile, which results in typing experiences that are balanced and not overly sharp or muffled. In contrast, the Keylin makes use of nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, when typing on the Keylin, one can expect a noticeably richer auditory experience compared to the more understated character of the Bamboo Green.
Both switches exhibit unique sound characteristics stemming from their respective materials, which, however, also have parallels in user experience. The PBT housings of the Bamboo Green, while offering a neutral profile, do not compromise on the tactile feedback and overall feel, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that balances sound and performance. Similarly, the nylon housing of the Keylin, although yielding a deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, also provides users with a quality tactile feedback and feel. Thus, despite differences in sound profiles, both the Bamboo Green and the Keylin ensure effective feedback when typing, indicating that users can achieve solid performance with either switch.
Ultimately, the impact of these materials on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches cannot be overlooked. In the case of the Bamboo Green, the PBT material influences the overall typing acoustics, with a focus on a balanced experience that feels consistent. Conversely, the softer nylon of the Keylin results in a more rounded and subdued bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall auditory element of typing. While the unique properties of each material create distinguishable experiences, users will find that both switches provide quality performance, illustrating the importance of material choice in the design and functionality of mechanical keyboards. Thus, while the Bamboo Green and Keylin harness different materials, their end results in terms of sound profile and typing experience will attract distinct preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference in weight means that for users who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Keylin would be more suitable, while those who favor a more substantial push might lean towards the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the Bamboo Green offers a stronger typing experience, while the Keylin provides a more effortless keystroke, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch differ significantly in their travel distances, with the Bamboo Green measuring 4 mm and the Keylin at 3.6 mm. The Bamboo Green, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Keylin's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a slightly shorter actuation, which may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the distinction between the two switches lies in their travel distance, with the Bamboo Green being the longer option and the Keylin being the shorter. This difference may affect the overall typing experience, as those who favor responsiveness might gravitate towards the Keylin, while others may prefer the deeper feel of the Bamboo Green.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 switches are characterized by a clacky sound profile, offering a high-pitched, resonant auditory experience that is both sharp and crisp. This higher frequency makes them ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant typing sound over deeper, bassier tones. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, while boasting rich acoustics, lack a specific sound description in the given information. However, being linear switches, they typically do not produce the pronounced auditory feedback associated with tactile switches like the Bamboo Green; thus, if one seeks a quieter experience, the Keylin would fit that bill.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches deliver a distinctly sharp tactile sensation with a pronounced tactile bump. Their accented feedback strikes a balance between being prominent yet not overwhelming, allowing for an engaging typing experience that is neither too forceful nor too subtle. In contrast, the feel of the Keylin linear switches remains unspecified. Generally, linear switches provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, which means the typing experience may be more fluid but lacks the pronounced bumps that typists who favor tactile switches typically enjoy.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches offer a clacky, high-pitched sound and sharp, accented tactile feedback that many typists appreciate for its engaging nature. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switches promise smoothness and rich acoustics but may not deliver the same auditory or tactile engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor a tactile experience with a lively sound, the Bamboo Green is your go-to, while the Keylin serves well for those who prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a distinct auditory feedback, the Bamboo Green is the ideal choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams ensures a satisfying press without being overly heavy, making it great for typists who appreciate a responsive and clacky sound profile. The sharp and crisp tactile feedback can enhance your typing accuracy, making it suitable for both gaming and daily workloads where you value that tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Keylin switch is the better option for you. With a lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, it allows for effortless key presses, which can be especially beneficial during long typing sessions or for gaming purposes where speed is key. The Keylin's exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics deliver a premium feel that caters to enthusiasts who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Overall, consider what aspects of typing you prioritize most: tactile feedback and sound with the Bamboo Greens, or smoothness and ease of use with the Keylin switches.
Mentioned in this article
