Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the TTC Neptune linear switch, we see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound and crisp tactility, offering a unique typing experience categorized as stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished. In contrast, the TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth, frictionless glide with a springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. Categorized as buttery, gummy, low-pitched, muted, and thocky, the Neptune offers a textured pleasure with its matte feel. While the Bamboo Green may appeal to those seeking a tactile and audible typing experience, the Neptune appeals to those looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and TTC Neptune both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its top and bottom housings, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In comparison, the Neptune uses POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. The POM material provides a pleasing and unique sound that differs from the Bamboo Green's PBT material. However, both switches offer a distinct sound experience based on their housing materials.
While the Bamboo Green and Neptune differ in their top housing materials, they both feature a polycarbonate bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This allows for a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. The Neptune's use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing enhances its sound profile, while the Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing provides a neutral sound experience. Despite this difference, both switches benefit from the qualities that polycarbonate brings to the bottom housing, resulting in a unique typing experience for users.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the Bamboo Green and Neptune play a significant role in how the switches feel and sound. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. With the Bamboo Green's PBT top and bottom housing and the Neptune's POM top housing paired with a polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect distinct tactile and auditory feedback when typing on each switch. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the TTC Neptune linear switch, which has an actuation force of 41 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams, while the Neptune only needs 50 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Neptune switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Neptune switch would be the better option as it has lower force requirements. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Bamboo Green switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Bamboo Green offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press experience compared to the Neptune. In general, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may feel more substantial and satisfying to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. In contrast, the TTC Neptune linear switch presents a low-pitched and muted sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow, offering a quieter and more refined auditory ambiance. Depending on personal preference, the Bamboo Green may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced and resonant sound, while the Neptune may be favored by individuals seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch delivers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile sensation, offering a distinct tactile bump and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Bamboo Green focusing on tactile feedback and the Neptune focusing on smoothness and fluidity.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bamboo Green leans towards a sharper and more tactile typing experience with a clacky sound signature, the Neptune provides a smoother and more frictionless keystroke with a muted and bass-heavy sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch option.
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 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile, the TTC Neptune linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a sharp tactility and higher-pitched sound (Bamboo Green) or a smooth glide and low-pitched, muted sound (Neptune). Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so consider your typing style and preferences when making your selection.
Mentioned in this article
