Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Kiwi. The Bamboo Green switches are best known for their clacky sound signature, accompanied by crisp and sparkling tactility. They fall under the category of stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished switches. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches are designed to enhance typing experiences with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. They offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, providing a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, these switches are lightly factory lubed, granting a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. As enticing as these general pointers are, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of each switch, allowing you to make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Kiwi differ in their housing materials, which impacts both the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both its top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound and feel. While not exceptionally crisp or dull, PBT provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi switches feature UHWMPE for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a bright and resonant sound. Typing on the Kiwi switches emits satisfying clacks due to the unique properties of UHWMPE. Therefore, the choice between the Bamboo Green and the Kiwi will depend on whether a neutral or vibrant sound profile is preferred.
Additionally, the differentiation between top and bottom housings is crucial to note. In switches with different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material are distinctively experienced at different moments. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, the choice of bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall tactile experience when typing on these switches. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound is more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the top housing material choice is essential for the sound produced when letting go of a key. Both the Bamboo Green and Kiwi switches embody this dynamic, allowing users to have unique experiences during both key press and key release.
Despite their differences, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Kiwi may provide similar results in terms of overall housing material performance. Both switches utilize materials that offer a neutral typing sound profile, ensuring a comfortable and unbiased audio experience. While PBT offers a balanced sound and feel, the UHWMPE top and bottom housings of the Kiwi produce a vibrant and resonant sound. If a user is seeking a switch that delivers a diverse tactile and auditory typing experience, either the Bamboo Green or the Kiwi could be suitable options. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, with the Bamboo Green providing a neutral sound and feel, while the Kiwi offers a more dynamic and bright typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures a consistent and responsive typing experience for users of either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, we see a distinction. The Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium category. On the other hand, the Kiwi has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy.
This discrepancy in bottom out force might appeal to different types of users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bamboo Green switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This characteristic makes it ideal for office use or extended gaming sessions.
Alternatively, individuals who desire a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may opt for the TKC Kiwi switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This can provide a stronger push feel, adding a sense of stability and satisfaction during typing.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may find the Everglide Bamboo Green switch more suitable, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial typing sensation may favor the TKC Kiwi switch. However, both switches offer a reliable actuation force and can deliver satisfactory results for users, regardless of their preferred weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a tactile switch for your keyboard. In the case of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Kiwi 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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. They offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for various purposes and preferences. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and personal preference. However, based on the provided information, you can expect a clacky and sharp sound from the Bamboo Green and a satisfyingly snappy sound from the Kiwi.
Moving on to feel, both the Bamboo Green and Kiwi switches share some similar qualities. They are both described as stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactility with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. This mild tactile feedback provides a comfortable typing experience without being overwhelming. Additionally, both switches are classified as accented switches, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither too subtle nor too intense. This balance ensures that users can enjoy a prominent tactile bump without it becoming fatiguing or distracting. Furthermore, both switches are polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished nature can be achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and TKC Kiwi switches have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green offers a high-pitched, clacky sound profile with a crisp tactile feedback, while the Kiwi provides a low-pitched, snappy sound with a balanced medium tactile bump. Both switches share similarities in terms of feel, including stepped tactility and accented feedback, and feature a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is a great choice for you. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and provide a satisfying typing experience. They offer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can add a touch of excitement to your typing sessions. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches are described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a lightly factory lubed switch, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is worth considering. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a snappy sound profile that enhances the immersive typing experience. They have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, suited for a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Kiwi switches share similar descriptions to the Bamboo Green switches, being stepped, accented, and polished, promising reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between Everglide Bamboo Green and TKC Kiwi tactile switches depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer distinct characteristics and can enhance your overall keyboarding experience. Consider the sound profiles, bottom out force, and descriptions of feel to make an informed decision about which switch aligns best with your preferences. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
