Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Luciola. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It falls into the category of switches that are stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are eye-catching as they glow in the dark. They offer a medium heft, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. These switches can be described as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Luciola differ in their composition and resulting sound profile. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top and bottom housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. It provides a balanced sound that is neither overly crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing. This unique blend by Gateron produces a relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile that is often described as clacky.
While both the Bamboo Green and Luciola incorporate PBT into their bottom housing, the qualities of this material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will primarily feel the impact of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the two switches may hinge on the desired sound profile during both keystrokes and key releases.
In terms of sound profile, the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a more neutral and balanced experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter and less distinctive typing sound. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing provides a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often associated with a satisfying clacky feel. This may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Although different in sound profile, both switches offer reliable housing materials that effectively showcase the characteristics of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is lighter, requiring 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, compared to the 55 grams needed for the Gateron Luciola linear switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, both switches have a relatively similar weight, with the Bamboo Green requiring 62 grams and the Luciola requiring 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lower actuation force of the Bamboo Green switch may be more suitable. This would be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the higher actuation force of the Luciola switch would be a better choice.
When it comes to bottoming out, both switches provide a similar weight. While the specific force required for bottoming out is not known for the Bamboo Green switch, it falls in the medium range alongside the Luciola switch. This implies that the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out would be reasonably similar for both switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch depends on individual preference. Those seeking a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those in search of a stronger push feel may opt for the Luciola. Regardless of the specific switch chosen, both switches offer a medium range bottom out force and are suitable for various typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we can see that the Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Bamboo Green falls within the range of the most traditional travel distance, while the Luciola is on the shallower side. The shorter travel distance of the Luciola may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Bamboo Green with its slightly longer travel distance. It is worth noting that both switches provide a tactile experience, but the Luciola offers a slightly shorter journey from top to bottom. Whether one is shorter or longer, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience based on individual 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which creates an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a clacky and chirpy sound. The sound is described as sharp, snappy, and percussive, and it has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. Additionally, the Luciola switch is also described as marbly, meaning it has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. Both switches offer distinct and pleasing sound profiles, although they differ in terms of their specific characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its stepped and accented tactile characteristics. It provides a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch also has a sharp and polished feel, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy and buttery feel. It is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which gives the typing experience a more alive sensation. The switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in seamless, effortless, and uniform typing. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that can enhance the typing experience, although they differ in terms of their specific characteristics.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switch provides a clacky sound with a crisp and sparkling tactility, while the Luciola switch offers a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel and a hollow sound profile. Although both switches have some similarities, such as their polished feel, the specific sound and feel characteristics differ. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch would be a great choice. These switches are best known for their clacky sound signature, crisp tactility, and sparkling feel when typing. They have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which produces a clean and sharp auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches are described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, providing a mild tactile bump with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Luciola switch would be a suitable option. These switches are eye-catching as they glow in the dark, adding a unique visual element to your keyboard. The Luciola switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. They are described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched in terms of sound. In terms of feel, the Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a clacky sound and crisp tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a unique visual appeal and a smooth typing feel, the Gateron Luciola switch would be a better option. Consider your desired sound profile, typing experience, and overall aesthetic when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
