Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Neo Lavender HE present two compelling yet distinct choices for typists and gamers alike. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their lively, clacky sound and pronounced tactile feedback, offering a delightful typing experience with a sharp and resonant character that many enthusiasts crave. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, utilizing hall effect technology, provides a smooth and clean keystroke with a subdued sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter workspace or a more serene gaming environment. While the Bamboo Green may be ideal for users who enjoy an auditory and tactile sensation in their typing experience, the Lavender HE is a strong choice for those seeking precision and fluidity with minimal noise disruption. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Neo Lavender HE, the differences in their housing materials—PBT for the Bamboo Green and nylon for the Lavender HE—significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bamboo Green switches utilize PBT for both the top and bottom housings, yielding a neutral sound profile that is neither overly crisp nor dull. This characteristic enables a more balanced auditory experience during typing, making it suitable for users who prefer a consistent sound output without pronounced peaks or valleys. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, delivering a more rounded auditory experience that caters to those who favor a softer typing sound that effectively dampens sharper noises.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Neo Lavender HE differ in material properties, their design considerations lead to distinct sound dynamics. With the Bamboo Green's PBT construction, the switches offer a neutral sound that can be appreciated during both keypresses and releases, as the material does not overly emphasize any specific frequency range. Conversely, the nylon in the Lavender HE's housings absorbs more sound, creating a distinctive bottom-out sound that feels rounder. As a result, users may perceive these different materials in varying levels of sharpness and depth during their typing experience, presenting each switch with its unique auditory signature.
It's important to note that despite these differences, both switch models can produce satisfying results in their own right. The Bamboo Green achieves an enjoyable balance of sound profiles through PBT's neutral acoustic characteristics, which can appeal to typists seeking reliability and consistency. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE's softer, fuller sound profile enhances the tactile feedback during key presses and releases, giving a cushioned yet distinct feel. Therefore, while the materials differ, users can find compatibility with personal preferences; those who enjoy a neutral typing experience in the Bamboo Green may also appreciate the comforting qualities of sound produced by the Lavender HE, albeit in a different manner.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium force option. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Bamboo Green is the heavier switch, offering a stronger push feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the lighter Lavender HE switch can be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Overall, these factors contribute to distinct user experiences, with the Bamboo Green catering to those who appreciate a firmer key press, while the Lavender HE is suited for those seeking comfort and ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, it's clear that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender HE measures at 3.8 mm. This difference, albeit small, can significantly influence the feel and response of each switch. Users who favor a more pronounced keystroke may appreciate the additional depth offered by the Bamboo Green, making it more suitable for those who prefer a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Lavender HE can cater to gamers or individuals desiring quick actuation and rapid response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for depth and responsiveness, with the Bamboo Green providing a deeper feel and the Lavender HE offering a slightly more responsive option.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 switch delivers a distinctly clacky sound signature characterized by high-pitched, resonant tones. This sharp and crisp auditory feedback is particularly appealing to users who favor a more lively and immersive typing experience. The Bamboo Greens produce a sound profile that not only enhances the tactile feedback but also creates an engaging atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is known for its clean, low sound, offering a more subdued auditory experience. Although both switches provide unique sound profiles, the Bamboo Green is more suited for those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback, while the Lavender HE caters to those who prefer a quieter, low-key environment.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green stands out with its stepped and accented design. This switch type offers a medium tactile experience that provides distinct feedback without overwhelming the typist. The clear tactile bump is present at the actuation point, making it both enjoyable and efficient for typing. Additionally, the Bamboo Green's sharp feedback contributes to a dynamic keystroke that's both smooth and responsive. The polished nature of these switches also adds to the smoothness of the keystroke, allowing for comfortable use during longer typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is currently no information available regarding the tactile properties of the Neo Lavender HE, leaving us to speculate about how it compares in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a high-pitched, clacky sound and a nuanced stepped tactile feedback that appeals to typists seeking both auditory and physical engagement. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch provides a low sound profile, but its tactile characteristics remain uncertain. If you're looking for a lively auditory experience paired with a solid tactile feel, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter option, the Lavender HE might suit you better, although further information would be required to fully assess its tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experiences you want from your keyboard. If you prefer a medium actuation force and enjoy a tactile, clacky sound combined with sharp feedback on each keystroke, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its resonant and high-pitched sound signature, alongside its stepped and polished tactile feel, makes it a rewarding option for both gaming and typing where auditory feedback is important. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with softer feedback and want a quieter typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE is the switch for you. Its clean sound profile and light actuation force make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or quiet environments, especially if you’re utilizing a Wooting keyboard for its unique functionality. Ultimately, by understanding the distinct characteristics of these switches, you can select the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing habits.
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