Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Purple RGB offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Everglide Bamboo Green is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback during their keystrokes. Its characteristics—stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished—accentuate its unique sound profile, adding a lively touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB promises a refined tactile experience with a shorter, medium-strength bump, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. Although both switches are tactile, the MX Purple RGB focuses on a smoother and less pronounced feedback, appealing to those who favor a more balanced feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactility or a refined and subtle keystroke response. 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
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 the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, it is evident that the two utilize different materials, each contributing unique sound characteristics and tactile feedback. The Bamboo Green switch features a PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) top housing, which is known for its neutral sound profile—providing neither an overly crisp nor dull acoustic signature. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which, thanks to its relatively softer composition, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This notable difference in materials reflects on how users will experience the sound of the switch while typing, with the Bamboo Green producing a balanced tone that won’t draw too much attention, whereas the MX Purple RGB provides a richer auditory experience.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Everglide Bamboo Green again opts for PBT, maintaining a consistent neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. This design choice ensures that the Bamboo Green's sound remains even; the qualities imparted through the bottom housing will be similar to those from the top and therefore do not drastically alter the intended acoustic experience. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to its overall deeper sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound when bottomed out. This contrast signifies that while the Bamboo Green maintains a balanced auditory output from both components, the MX Purple RGB offers a more pronounced auditory signature, especially evident in the sound produced when the key is pressed down.
In terms of overall performance and user experience, these contrasting materials lead to distinct results. For users seeking a consistent and neutral experience with the Bamboo Green, the PBT materials create an even character throughout the switch, lending to uniformity in both typing and sound feedback. Meanwhile, users drawn to the Cherry MX Purple RGB might appreciate the pronounced auditory feel due to the nylon composition, which thrives on depth and richness. While the tactile responses may be similar in both cases, the individual sound profiles allowed by different materials make for nuanced experiences that cater to different preferences. Understanding how the materials impact both the sound and tactile feel can help users select the switch that aligns best with their typing style and auditory preference.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB remains unknown. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly lighter than the Cherry MX Purple RGB's 45 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green may be more suitable for those who prefer longer typing sessions without exerting much effort, providing a more comfortable experience during extended use. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB's potentially heavier feel may appeal to users seeking a more substantial push during typing. However, since the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is not available, we cannot make direct comparisons regarding that aspect. Overall, the Bamboo Green is the lighter option, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB leans towards the heavier side, making the choice dependent on personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equal distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, as both switches travel the same length from the top to the bottom. Consequently, for those considering these switches for their keyboards, the tactile feedback and key press feel will be consistent, allowing for a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The sound profile of the Everglide Bamboo Green switches is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant quality, producing a clacky and sharp auditory signature. This sound can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a distinct and lively auditory feedback while typing, as it provides an immersive experience that enhances the overall typing pleasure. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a sound description available, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it’s important to consider that sound can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard’s construction and keycap materials, so while the Bamboo Green offers a clear sound profile, the MX Purple's auditory characteristics remain unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green switches excel in providing a multi-layered tactile feedback experience. They are described as having a stepped tactile design, allowing for subtle nuances during a keypress, which requires a certain degree of engagement to fully appreciate. This results in a typing experience that's both pronounced and smooth, marked by a sharp tactile bump that ensures each keystroke is distinctly felt. The description indicates a medium tactile intensity that balances feedback without being overly aggressive or too soft. Unfortunately, the tactile experience of Cherry MX Purple RGB switches is not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how their feel measures up to the Bamboo Green switches.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches stand out for their high-pitched, resonant sound profile and a rich tactile experience that combines various qualities, ensuring that both auditory and physical feedback are satisfying. Meanwhile, the characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB remain less defined, especially in terms of auditory and tactile feedback, making a comprehensive comparison challenging. While those who prefer the distinct clackiness of the Bamboo Greens might have a clear choice, the unknown aspects of the MX Purple RGB keep their qualities somewhat enigmatic, indicating that preferences will vary based on a user's personal typing style and what they prioritize in their keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, your choice should be guided by your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you're looking for a more pronounced auditory experience and enjoy a clacky, resonant sound, the Bamboo Green switch is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams offers a satisfying, tactile response that is characterized by sharp and accented feedback, perfect for users who appreciate a more dynamic typing sensation. However, if your focus is on a refined and understated tactile experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches might be more suitable for you. They provide a shorter, medium-strength bump that enhances your keystrokes without overwhelming your senses. Overall, consider the Bamboo Greens for a lively and engaging typing style, especially if you love the high-pitched sound profile, and go for the MX Purples for a subtler, yet satisfying tactile experience that pairs well with RGB lighting setups. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on the auditory and tactile feedback you prefer when using your mechanical keyboard.
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