Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come into consideration are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Bamboo Green switch is a tactile switch known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is a linear switch recognized for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick and precise keystrokes. While the Bamboo Green offers a distinct tactile feel, the Speed Silver excels in providing smooth and swift keystrokes. 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
3.40 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
The Everglide Bamboo Green and Cherry MX Speed Silver both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both the top and bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver incorporates nylon for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches provide a distinct sound experience, the choice between PBT and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
Despite having different housing materials, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Cherry MX Speed Silver share similarities in their construction. Both switches feature PBT top housings, which offer a neutral sound profile that does not lean towards being overly crisp or dull. This commonality ensures that users can expect consistent sound characteristics from both switches when pressing down on the keys. While the bottom housings differ between the two switches, the top housings play a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience, providing a familiar feel for users who may be accustomed to PBT housing materials.
In terms of performance, the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and Cherry MX Speed Silver impact the overall sound and feel of the switches in unique ways. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more pronounced when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, affecting the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite these differences, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that appeals to users who value sound feedback and key feel.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams while the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Bamboo Green offers a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force, while the MX Speed Silver provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their advantages, with the Bamboo Green being ideal for those who prefer a heavier push feel and the MX Speed Silver being better suited for users who prefer a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the MX Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact how the switch feels when typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to those looking for faster response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Bamboo Green may feel more substantial and satisfying to those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of experience each individual is looking for in their keyboard.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is known for producing a thocky and low-pitched sound. This results in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when the keys are pressed and released. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a stepped and accented typing experience. This means that the switch provides a mild tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. The tactile bump is prominent without being overwhelming, making for a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture for a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free feel.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched, resonant sound with a stepped and accented tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience, the MX Speed Silver switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green is a great choice for you. It offers a crisp and sparkling tactility that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant response, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with an unknown bottom out force may be more suited to your needs. Its full height design and low spring resistance provide maximum speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming where quick actions are crucial. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches, and select the one that aligns best with your typing style and usage. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Cherry MX Speed Silver will depend on your specific typing preferences and priorities.
Mentioned in this article
