Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Matcha. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. Its categorization includes terms such as "stepped," "high-pitched," "accented," "sharp," "resonant," and "polished." On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out with its comfortable and snappy tactility. Additionally, users can look forward to a distinctly clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. The Matcha is categorized as "stepped," "snappy," "accented," "clacky," "feathery," and "subtle." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green switch utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. It neither provides a very crisp nor dull sound. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha switch is particularly useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their own unique tonal characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Everglide Bamboo Green and KTT Matcha switches once again differ. The Bamboo Green switch utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which contributes to its neutral sound profile. This housing material does not provide a very crisp or dull sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Matcha switch employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate offers a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While the differences in bottom housing materials contribute to variations in sound, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their own set of tonal characteristics.
When it comes to utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings of a switch, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be divided between them. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In the case of the Bamboo Green switch, with its PBT bottom housing, the bottom-out sound is neutral and lacks pronounced crispness or dullness. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha switch contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when a key is released. As such, while the top and bottom housings differ between these switches, their overall performance and keyboard experience are influenced by both aspects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Matcha's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams of force compared to the Matcha's lighter 45 grams. This makes the Bamboo Green switch slightly heavier overall. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Matcha switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Bamboo Green switch with its heavier forces, providing a stronger push and a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and require the same amount of force to actuate. Therefore, whether you choose the Everglide Bamboo Green or the KTT Matcha, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, we find that the Bamboo Green has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, giving an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Bamboo Green leans towards a higher-pitched and resonant sound, while the Matcha provides a crisp and bright clacky sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Matcha are described as stepped switches. This means that they have a two-stage tactile feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, both switches are accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. The Bamboo Green is further described as sharp, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. It is also noted to have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Matcha is said to be snappy, emphasizing its responsiveness and lively typing experience. It is also described as feathery, requiring little exertion to press and reducing finger fatigue. Lastly, the Matcha is also mentioned to have a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Matcha tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Matcha provides a clacky and crisp sound. Both switches feature a stepped and accented tactile feel, with the Bamboo Green being known for its sharp and polished feedback, and the Matcha emphasizing its snappy and feathery characteristics. While they have some similarities in terms of feel, such as being stepped and accented, the overall experience will differ due to their unique qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are certain factors to take into account. The Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. It is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. It offers a comfortable and snappy tactility, with a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. When it comes to sound, the Bamboo Green has a high-pitched and resonant profile, while the Matcha is described as clacky. In terms of feel, both switches are stepped and accented, providing a medium amount of tactility. However, the Bamboo Green is known for its sharp and polished feel, while the Matcha is snappy and feathery, requiring minimal finger exertion. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and feel.
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