Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to the tactile feedback and sound profile that best suits your typing style and preferences. The Everglide Bamboo Green switches offer an engaging experience characterized by their clacky sound signature and crisp, polished tactility, making them ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation with every keystroke. This stepped, high-pitched switch provides an accented and resonant response, appealing to those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches present a smooth and linear experience, designed with an innovative POK stem housed in a durable blend of Nylon and POM. This design results in a quieter operation, perfect for those who prefer a seamless key press without tactile interruptions. While the Bamboo Greens are perfect for users who relish the tactile cues and sound of their typing, the Mars switches cater to those seeking a more fluid and distraction-free experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Gateron Mars switches utilize different housing materials that contribute distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which is known for its neutral sound characteristics, providing a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly crisp nor dull. This reinforces a moderate acoustical sensation while typing, leading to a consistent feedback that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound waves, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, while the Bamboo Green may appeal to those seeking a clearer, more straightforward typing sound, the Mars will appeal to users who prefer a richer and more subdued auditory response.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences become more pronounced. The Bamboo Green’s bottom housing is also made from PBT, maintaining the consistent neutral sound profile that characterizes its top counterpart. This cohesion in material allows for a uniform feel and sound throughout the switch, creating a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing that delivers a unique sound profile. POM is known for producing a deep and pleasing sound that is somewhat muted, enhancing the overall noise dampening properties of the switch. In this scenario, the Bamboo Green maintains its balance throughout, while the Mars delivers a textured typing experience marked by its more pronounced lower register.
Overall, the distinct differences in housing materials significantly affect the typing experience between the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron Mars switches. These differences mean that while each switch can provide satisfying results, the auditory and tactile feedback will vary considerably due to the top and bottom material compositions. With the Bamboo Green's PBT offering consistency across both top and bottom, users can expect a reliable and predictable typing environment. In contrast, the Mars switch offers a varied experience, with nylon softening the top sound and POM creating a rich depth from below. Therefore, typists might choose a switch depending on their preferences for sound clarity versus richness and which aspects of the typing experience they prioritize more.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see some key differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Mars switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, making the Bamboo Green the lighter option between the two. In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green has a definitive bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a clear tactile feedback when keys are fully pressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is not specified, leaving a gap in the comparison. This means we can only ascertain that the Bamboo Green switch not only has a lighter actuation force but also a noticeable bottom-out feedback, which may suit typists looking for a more defined feel, whereas the Mars may appeal to those who prefer an unknown or potentially lighter bottom-out experience. For those who value long typing sessions, the Bamboo Green might be a more comfortable choice with its medium force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the differences are evident. The Bamboo Green boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional choice and may be ideal for users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This reduction caters to gamers or fast-paced typists who favor quicker response times and less travel, enhancing their overall efficiency. Therefore, the Bamboo Green offers a longer travel distance compared to the Mars, making it more suitable for individuals who desire a hearty depth, whereas the Mars is a better fit for those who appreciate a more responsive, snappier performance.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switches are characterized by a distinctive clacky auditory profile that delivers a high-pitched, resonant tone during key presses. This sharp and crisp sound can be quite satisfying for those who prefer more elevated auditory feedback from their typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switch sound profile is less defined in the available information, which could mean it does not stand out in the same way as the Bamboo Green. If sound is a significant factor for the user, the crisper, more resonant characteristics of the Bamboo Green may provide a more engaging auditory experience, though the actual performance can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches provide a robust tactile experience marked by a stepped design, which includes a noticeable pre-travel and post-travel feel. The tactile feedback is accentuated, making every keypress distinctly felt, combining a moderate tactile bump with a sharp sensation. This polished tactile feedback creates a smooth typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a balance between tactile feedback and a refined feel. However, the Gateron Mars switches lack explicit details about their tactile characteristics, leaving one to infer that their innovative design aims for a different experience. Without more information, it’s hard to pinpoint how they would compare directly, but the user should be aware that the tactile feedback could range widely.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches offer a unique auditory and tactile experience with their high-pitched, resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lively typing atmosphere and pronounced key response. The Gateron Mars switches currently lack detailed descriptions related to their sound and feel characteristics, leaving room for exploration. A seeker of mechanical keyboard switches should ideally prioritize their sound and tactile preferences; if they favor high-pitched sounds and noticeable tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green directly aligns with these desires while the Mars switch remains an intriguing but largely undefined option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch hinges primarily on your preferences for feel and sound during your typing experience. If you appreciate a more tactile and engaging feel, with a notable auditory feedback that enhances your typing rhythm, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its crisp, high-pitched clacky sound and pronounced tactility provide a dynamic typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive interaction with their keyboard, perfect for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keypress that allows for quick, uninterrupted typing without the added auditory feedback, then the Gateron Mars linear switch may suit you better. With its innovative design that promises a slick typing experience, it’s particularly suitable for users who engage in fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where finger fatigue could be a concern. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean more towards a tactile and sound-rich feedback or a soft and fluid key response.
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