Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Orange. The Bamboo Green switches are known for their tactile feedback, providing a clacky sound signature combined with a crisp and sparkling tactility that many typists and gamers appreciate for a more interactive experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are recognized for their linear design, focusing on smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump—ideal for those seeking a quieter, uninterrupted typing flow. The Bamboo Green's emphasized acoustics and tactile response can promote a more engaged feel while typing, whereas the MX Orange offers a less distracting environment, perfect for both office settings and late-night gaming sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and Cherry MX Orange switches, there are notable differences that can affect the overall typing experience. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its durability and neutral sound profile. Writers will find that the Bamboo Green’s PBT construction offers a balanced auditory experience that is neither too crisp nor overly dull. This versatility makes it adaptable for various uses, from typing to gaming, while providing a consistent feel across the board.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are made with nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This inherent characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics like PBT, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users typing on Cherry MX Orange switches may notice a softer, more cushioned feedback upon bottoming out, as the nylon dampens sound and creates a more muted response, enhancing both typing comfort and acoustics.
Despite the differences in materials, the switches can still yield similar outcomes in terms of function and feel due to the impact of housing on the auditory and tactile feedback. Since both switch types feature unique characteristics in their manufacturing, the Bamboo Green's PBT can compensate with its consistent surface and feel, resulting in neutral sound feedback. In situations where acoustics are paramount, users may find that both switches deliver an enjoyable experience with their distinct sound profiles, making them suitable choices for individuals who prioritize different aspects of keyboard performance. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on personal preference regarding the nature of the sound and tactile feedback desired in a keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, which makes it lighter compared to the Cherry MX Orange’s actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that the Bamboo Green requires less force to register a keystroke. This feature may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not provided, which prevents a direct comparison for that measurement. The Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, representing a medium level of resistance when the key is fully pressed down. This means that while the actuation forces of the Bamboo Green and the MX Orange differ, the lack of available data for the latter's bottom out force leaves some uncertainty in assessing its overall feel. For those who enjoy a more robust typing experience, the heavier actuation force of the MX Orange could be preferable, but without bottom out data, the choice could vary based on personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same physical distance when pressing down on each key. As both switches require the same amount of key travel, they will yield similar tactile feedback and responsiveness during use. This uniformity allows typists and gamers alike to enjoy a consistent feel between these two switch types, despite their differing mechanisms and characteristics.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 deliver a distinctively clacky sound profile that is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant quality. This sharp and clean auditory experience is ideal for users who prefer a more crisp sound while typing, avoiding the richer, bassy tones that some other switches might offer. The experiencing of the acoustic feedback can enhance your overall typing experience, making it vibrant and engaging. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches do not have a defined sound profile detailed in the information provided, which leaves room for uncertainty in sound expectations.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches stand out with their stepped and accented characteristics. They provide a notable tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced but controlled tactility. The sharp tactile bump facilitates a distinct recognition of each keypress, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches hints at a smooth and refined feel, minimizing friction during key travel. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the MX Orange switches are not available, leaving a gap in the comparison.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches cater to users who prioritize a crisp, high-pitched sound and a tactile experience that balances feedback intensity with smoothness. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange switches remain an enigma in terms of sound and feel, as specific descriptors for these qualities have not been provided. For those seeking similar outcomes in typing experience, the Bamboo Greens offer a clear option, while the MX Oranges may require further exploration to identify their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience characterized by a pronounced and sharp bump, the Bamboo Green is the ideal choice, especially if you appreciate a clacky, high-pitched sound signature that adds an immersive auditory dimension to your typing. This switch is perfect for typists who crave a tactile sensation, with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams providing a satisfying yet not overwhelming resistance during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience and often engage in activities that benefit from quick, linear key presses—like gaming—the Cherry MX Orange would serve you well. Although it lacks a defined bottom-out force due to its linear design, it enables rapid actuation without the tactile feedback that might slow you down. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound for typing comfort or a fluid, linear response for faster gameplay.
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