Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Outemu Purple offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green switch is celebrated for its clacky sound signature, delivering a crisp and sparkling tactile feedback that many typists and gamers alike find satisfying. Its unique characteristics—stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished—make it an appealing choice for users who enjoy an auditory and tactile response while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch, while lacking a specific defining feature, is designed to provide a comfortable typing experience with a reliable tactile bump. This switch may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued sound profile and are seeking a solid performer without the extra flair. Both switches have their merits, with the Bamboo Green excelling in a vibrant auditory experience and the Outemu Purple offering dependable performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Outemu Purple switches, significant differences arise from the choice of housing materials utilized in their construction. The Bamboo Green switch employs a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, which is known for its neutral sound profile. This material strikes a balance between being neither overly crisp nor dull; it offers a smooth acoustics experience that can feel muted and subdued compared to other materials. In contrast, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, this switch lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate enhanced auditory feedback during typing.
When examining the bottom housing, the choice of materials creates yet another layer of distinction between the two switches. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, mirroring the neutrality found in its top housing. This consistency contributes to a seamless sound quality throughout the pressing experience, albeit with a comparatively softer touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for offering a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and produces a rounder tone, ultimately altering the experience of bottoming out when pressing the keys. Therefore, the differences in material properties between the two switches become particularly noticeable in terms of tactile feedback and sound when keys are activated.
Ultimately, the unique acoustic characteristics derived from the different housing materials will produce distinct typing experiences. While the Bamboo Green's PBT combination creates a subdued sound signature, the Outemu Purple's use of polycarbonate and nylon generates a more pronounced auditory profile. If one were to utilize both switches simultaneously, the distinct sounds created by their varied top and bottom housings would likely lead to a broader range of sensory feedback. However, for those seeking a cohesive sound experience, the Bamboo Green offers a more uniform sound profile, while the Outemu Purple serves to emphasize clarity in its acoustic feedback. Thus, regardless of the choices in housing materials, both switches showcase how these components play critical roles in crafting the overall typing sensation and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we see differences in their actuation force, which influences the typing experience. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter than the Outemu Purple's actuation force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Bamboo Green may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Outemu Purple may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel with its greater resistance. Additionally, the Bamboo Green features a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a clear tactile feedback when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, there is currently no information available regarding the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple. Therefore, if bottom out force is a significant factor in your decision, you may find the Bamboo Green provides a more definitive feeling of depth with each keystroke. Overall, those who favor lighter switches may gravitate towards the Bamboo Green, while those who appreciate a firmer response might find the Outemu Purple more appealing, albeit with unknown bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is identical. With the same travel distance, both switches provide a consistent feel, allowing for comparable key responsiveness and typing experience.
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 Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 are revered for their distinct clacky sound signature, which is characterized by a high-pitched, resonant quality. Each keypress generates a sharp and crisp auditory feedback, appealing to those who prefer a more lively, bright sound profile over the heavier, bassy tones found in other switches. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switches do not have any notable sound characteristics mentioned, indicating a lack of defined auditory feedback that can make them less engaging for users who value the acoustic experience of typing.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches shine with their stepped, accented, and sharp tactile feedback. Users will experience a dual-stage keystroke, providing a mild but defined tactile bump that ensures good feedback without being overwhelming. The switches also exhibit a smooth, polished action, which reduces friction and enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the Outemu Purple switches lack description regarding their tactile qualities, leaving their feel ambiguous when compared to the well-defined characteristics of the Bamboo Green.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch stands out with its crisp, resonant sound and an impressive array of tactile feedback options—making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate both auditory and physical satisfaction in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple does not have enough information available to make a direct comparison, but it's likely that users may find the Bamboo Greens deliver a more engaging and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Outemu Purple tactile switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a switch that offers a noticeable tactile response with a medium actuation force of 62 grams, the Bamboo Green is a great choice. This switch not only provides a crisp and resonant sound signature but also embodies a refined tactile feel with features like stepped and accented feedback, making it particularly satisfying for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward typing experience without any specific auditory or tactile distinctiveness, the Outemu Purple might suit you better, especially if you want a less pronounced response when typing. Although it lacks detailed specifications, if you find that you enjoy a more subdued switch with less emphasis on sound and tactility, the Purple could possibly complement your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
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