Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the KTT Lightning, a linear switch. Each switch offers its own unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and needs. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It provides a tactile typing experience with a high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Lightning switches excel in providing a "speed" experience, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. These switches offer a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile, featuring characteristics like chirpy, subtle, and polished. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Lightning differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, while the Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. PBT provides a neutral sound profile, neither crisp nor dull, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. However, the bottom housings of both switches share the same material, PBT, resulting in a consistent and neutral sound profile for both switches.
Another contrasting factor between the Bamboo Green and the Lightning is the material used for their bottom housings. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT, which offers a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Lightning employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to a variation in sound experience when typing on these switches.
When comparing the overall impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's sound and feel, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when pressing down on either the Bamboo Green or the Lightning, the qualities of their respective bottom housings will be more pronounced. Conversely, the top housing, whether it be PBT or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound emitted when releasing a key. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials influences the overall typing experience on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference. The Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is heavier than the Lightning's bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully press down compared to the Lightning switch.
Considering weight is an important factor for keyboard users, the Bamboo Green may be preferred by those who enjoy a heavier typing feel. The higher bottom out force of the Bamboo Green offers a more satisfying and substantial keystroke, which some users might find beneficial for tasks like typing for longer periods or for a more immersive gaming experience. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Lightning switch may be desirable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for extended periods of time without experiencing fatigue. Both switches offer their own unique benefits based on individual preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. The Bamboo Green's 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a comfortable depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Lightning's 3.0mm travel distance is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the 3.0mm travel distance of the Lightning switch would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a deeper keypress and feel that short travel distances feel too abrupt, the Bamboo Green with its longer travel distance would be the more suitable choice. Overall, both switches offer different travel distances, allowing you to choose based on your preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 tactile switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating a clean and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and even chirpy. The sound profile of the Lightning switch is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Both switches offer a distinct and enjoyable sound profile, although the Bamboo Green leans towards a higher-pitched and resonant tone, while the Lightning has a more varied range of clacky and chirpy sounds. Keep in mind that the sound produced by the switches is also affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is often described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. These switches offer a two-stage tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. They provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. The sharp tactile bump adds to the feedback intensity, allowing users to distinctly feel each keypress. Additionally, the polished finish of the Bamboo Green switches ensures smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and improved key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a subtle and polished feel. The Lightning switch provides a gentle resistance that is not too light yet maintains a light typing feel. This subtlety ensures a comfortable typing experience, suitable for shared spaces. Like the Bamboo Green, the Lightning switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and KTT Lightning linear switch possess distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, accompanied by a stepped and accentuated tactile feel. On the other hand, the Lightning switch provides a clacky sound with a subtle and polished typing experience. While they have their unique characteristics, both switches guarantee an enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more elevated sound and sharper tactile feedback (Bamboo Green) or a snappier and more subtle feel (Lightning), these switches will deliver similar results in terms of overall quality and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be a great choice. It offers a crisp and sparkling tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, these switches would be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light bottom out force and a slick type feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their approachable "speed" and are perfect for situations where milliseconds can determine success. They also produce a clacky sound when pressed and have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Lightning will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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