Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a satisfying tactile experience are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Bamboo Green switches are known for their clacky sound signature, accompanied by a crisp and sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches boast a very sharp tactile bump, which appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced sensation while typing. Additionally, the Blueberry switches produce a lower-than-average sound frequency with a deeper tone that isn't quite "thocky." Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry both utilize different housing materials in their switches, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The housing material used in the top housing of the Bamboo Green switches is PBT, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In comparison, the Blueberry switches feature a top housing made of POM, creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted. Therefore, when releasing a key, the Blueberry switches are likely to produce a richer and more subdued sound compared to the Bamboo Green switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Bamboo Green and the Blueberry switches also utilize different materials. The Bamboo Green switches employ a PBT bottom housing, which shares the same neutral sound profile as its top housing counterpart. Conversely, the Blueberry switches incorporate a POM bottom housing, contributing to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. The bottom-out sound and feel of the Blueberry switches are expected to be influenced more significantly by the POM housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound as compared to the Bamboo Green switches.
In summary, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches have similar characteristics in terms of using different housing materials for the top and bottom, their specific material choices lead to distinguishable differences. The Bamboo Green switches offer a neutral sound profile and tactile experience throughout, thanks to both their PBT top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Blueberry switches deliver a more unique and pleasing sound with their POM top housing, while their POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound. So, if you're seeking a consistent and neutral sound, the Bamboo Green switches are the way to go, but if you're after a distinctive and deeper sound experience, the Blueberry switches would be a great choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the Blueberry's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Blueberry requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This indicates that the Blueberry provides a more substantial typing experience due to the increased force required to fully press down. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those seeking a heavier, more substantial feel may opt for the Blueberry. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer distinct options for individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a satisfying tactile feedback to the user. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a specific travel distance of 4 mm, you can be confident in obtaining similar results with either the Everglide Bamboo Green or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches, we find that the Bamboo Green has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that when typing on the Bamboo Green switches, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. This gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone, with a slightly deeper but not "thocky" sound frequency. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, the Bamboo Green provides a higher-pitched sound experience, while the Blueberry offers a lower-pitched sound with a touch of depth.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be the better option. In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green offers a high-pitched and resonant profile, while the Blueberry provides a lower-pitched and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Blueberry is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, providing a super responsive and smooth typing experience with noticeable friction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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