Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, with the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bamboo Green is lauded for its clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility, providing a unique typing experience characterized by its stepped, high-pitched, and sharp attributes. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic stands out with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering a buttery and invigorating clicky sound along with a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches have their strengths and reasons why one might prefer them over the other. 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
60g
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
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
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 Gateron Melodic differ in their housing materials in terms of the top housing. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its top housing, providing a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In comparison, the Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Melodic gives it a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green and the Gateron Melodic also diverge. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its bottom housing, maintaining a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Melodic houses its switches in nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound than the stiffer PBT material of the Bamboo Green.
While the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Melodic have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, they each offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The top housing material affects the sound when you let go of a key, with the polycarbonate of the Melodic providing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the neutral sound of the PBT in the Bamboo Green. Conversely, the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, with nylon in the Melodic offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the neutral sound of the PBT in the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the sound profile that best fits your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Bamboo Green is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Melodic's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60-62 grams, making them both medium in terms of heaviness. The Bamboo Green provides a slightly lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Melodic offers a more substantial push feel, which may be favored by those looking for a stronger keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. No switch is shorter or longer in this aspect, as they both provide an equal amount of tactile feedback and key travel for users to enjoy.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 considering sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch also presents a resonant sound with an added crunchy element, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is noted for its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feedback. These qualities combine to provide a tactile bump that is distinct and refined, offering a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as offering a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience coupled with pronounced feedback. Depending on the preferred level of tactility and feedback, users may lean towards either the Bamboo Green or Melodic switch for their mechanical keyboard.
Overall, both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference, with the Bamboo Green providing a sharp and crisp sound along with a distinct tactile bump, while the Melodic offers a smoother sound and invigorating tactile feedback. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups will allow users to determine which switch aligns best with their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, along with a medium bottom out force, the Bamboo Green may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a classic clicky sound and dual-railed stems, the Gateron Melodic might be more suited to your liking. Both switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what qualities matter most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
