Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switches are praised for their subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists looking for a gentler feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Mallo both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither dull nor overly crisp. In contrast, the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. While the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green is more subtle, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo is more resonant and clear, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green also utilizes PBT, which provides a similar neutral sound profile as the top housing. On the other hand, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced with each keystroke.
Overall, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Mallo have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials on the sound profile and typing experience is evident. The PBT housing in the Bamboo Green provides a consistent and subtle sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo offers a sharper and more resonant typing experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Mallo enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, contrasting with the more neutral sound profile of the PBT bottom housing in the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is 62 grams, heavier than the Mallo's 55 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch requires a slightly firmer touch to register a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Mallo switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mallo switch may be a better option, as it has a lower bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Bamboo Green switch with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Mallo, while those seeking a heavier and more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Everglide Bamboo Green.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity allows for consistent feel and feedback when typing or gaming with either of these switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches contributes to their tactile typing experience, providing a satisfying and responsive feel for users.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 offers a high-pitched and resonant experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. This can be ideal for those who prefer a more distinctive and attention-grabbing sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch provides a neutral and subdued sound, striking a balance between moderate actuation force and a subtle sound signature. This makes the Mallo a versatile choice for different typing environments, ensuring that it neither dominates nor fades into the background. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch offers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience. The stepped design provides a two-stage tactile feel, while the sharp tactile bump offers high feedback intensity. Additionally, the polished finish enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle tactile experience. The feathery feel requires little exertion from the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. With a gentle resistance and light typing feel, the Mallo offers a comfortable and approachable typing experience for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and KTT Mallo tactile switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green provides a more pronounced and sharp sound profile with a distinct tactile feel, while the Mallo offers a subtler sound and gentler tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and intended use when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile with sharp tactility and medium bottom out force, the Bamboo Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound, gentle tactility, and a lighter bottom out force, the Mallo could be the better option. Ultimately, the Bamboo Green offers a more intense typing experience, while the Mallo provides a smoother and more subtle feel. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.