Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Lucky offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, is revered for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists seek for an engaging typing experience. Its unique characteristics, such as being stepped and high-pitched, lend an accentuated and sharp feel that can invigorate each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky, classified as a linear switch, features a softer and glittery nylon housing, resulting in a lightweight and smooth typing experience that many find neutral and deeply satisfying, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions. While both switches offer their unique benefits—one leaning towards tactile feedback for enhanced typing pleasure and the other providing a seamless actuation for effortless key presses—it's essential to consider your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Lucky switches utilize different housing materials that significantly shape their acoustic properties and overall feel. The Bamboo Green features a top and bottom housing made of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), which provides a neutral sound profile. PBT's characteristics allow for a balanced typing experience that isn’t overly sharp or muffled. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, contributing to a typing experience that is rounder and less resonant than that produced by the Bamboo Green.
The differences continue to manifest in how the unique housing materials impact the typing experience. With the Bamboo Green equipped with PBT housing, users can expect a consistent auditory result—neither too bright nor too flat. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a balanced sound without extreme tonal characteristics. Conversely, the HMX Lucky's nylon construction allows for a more subdued auditory feedback. This difference indicates that while the Bamboo Green provides a crispness that some users may enjoy, the HMX Lucky appeals to those who appreciate a softer, less intrusive typing sound that fosters a more tactile sensation.
Interestingly, both switches will deliver a distinct feel when pressed, due to the interaction between their housing materials. Users will notice that the Bamboo Green, with its PBT cases, emphasizes a sharper, more responsive bottom-out sound, while the Lucky's nylon will create a softer landing that absorbs more impact. Ultimately, the contrast between these two switches lies primarily in the chosen materials. Although they differ in both sound and feel, the intended typing experience can be tailored based on personal preference: aspiring towards a neutral tone with the Bamboo Green or indulging in the rich, enveloping sound characteristic of the HMX Lucky.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, marking it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is clearly on the lighter side. This leads to the Bamboo Green being the heavier option, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the Lucky caters to users who favor a lighter touch, making it easier for extended typing sessions or gaming. The differing forces indicate that users will experience varying levels of feedback and comfort based on their preferences for key resistance.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a robust keystroke. In contrast, the Lucky switch, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers and users who prefer quicker actuation and a more responsive experience. Ultimately, those who value a deeper feel might gravitate towards the Bamboo Green, while those seeking agility and speed may lean towards the HMX Lucky.
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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 delivers a distinctively high-pitched and resonant tone. This clacky sound signature results in a sharp and crisp auditory experience that can be quite satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic profile. If you're not fond of deeper, bassy sounds typical of some other switches, the Bamboo Green's clear and crisp notes will be more appealing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch has a softer design with nylon housings that potentially dampen sound compared to the Bamboo Green. While there's no specific description of its sound profile, the lighter and more neutral characteristics of linear switches generally lead to a quieter operation. Therefore, if sound is a priority for you, the Bamboo Green would likely stand out, while the Lucky may provide a more subtle auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Bamboo Green switches are crafted with a stepped and accented tactile response that results in a significant tactile feedback with each keypress. This means that users can expect a clear distinction in the keystroke with a prominent tactile bump; the sensation is strong, sharp, and crisp, offering a dynamic engagement when typing. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches contributes to a smooth operation, minimizing friction and enhancing overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Lucky linear switches remains unspecified. Generally, linear switches are known for their smooth, uninterrupted travel without a tactile bump, which allows for a different typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer softer keystrokes.
In summary, if you’re looking for a loud, striking typing experience, the Bamboo Green tactile switches provide that with their high-pitched sound and strong tactile feedback. They are also polished for smoothness, enhancing the overall feel during typing. In contrast, while the Lucky switch’s details on sound and feel are less defined, its intrinsic characteristics suggest a smoother typing experience that could be ideal for users looking for quiet and pleasant keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize the rich auditory feedback and tactile response of the Bamboo Green or the potentially subdued and smooth operation of the Lucky.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the atmosphere in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a pronounced bump and crisp feedback, the Bamboo Green is a great choice, particularly for typing tasks where you benefit from clear actuation points. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams makes it a satisfying option for enthusiasts who prefer a bit of resistance, while the clacky sound signature adds a lively character to your typing experience. Conversely, if you favor a smoother, quieter operation that allows for rapid keystrokes—ideal for gaming or longer typing sessions without fatigue—the HMX Lucky, with its light bottom-out force of 43 grams, will be more suitable. The neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience offered by the Lucky, coupled with its softer nylon housing, means you can type quickly and comfortably without the tactile distractions present in tactile switches. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience or a lighter, more fluid keystroke for extended usage.