Everglide Bamboo Green vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Bamboo Green switch is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. This switch falls into the 'Stepped', 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Sharp', 'Resonant', and 'Polished' categories. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. It falls into the 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' categories. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ significantly in their housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a more neutral sound, neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing makes it especially suitable for users planning to utilize RGB lighting.
Regarding aesthetics, the materials of the two switches differ as well. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing is not as commonly seen in switch housings, making it more distinctive. In contrast, if a switch features a clear housing like the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate, it is more likely to catch the eye as it allows for the visibility of any accompanying RGB lighting. While both housing materials offer their own unique visual appeal, the choice ultimately depends on the user's preference for a bolder, distinguished look or a more vibrant, illuminated experience.
Even though they differ, the top and bottom housings of both switches play a role in the overall feel and sound of each keystroke. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housing become more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a pressed key. Therefore, while the materials may differ, the impact of these characteristics will be split between the top and bottom of each switch, ensuring an overall high-quality typing experience for both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray.
Weight
When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both of which fall under the medium category. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Bamboo Green would be the ideal choice, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and resistant typing experience, the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray may be more suited to their preferences. Although the actuation force for the Polaris Gray is unknown, it is likely to be similar or slightly higher than that of the Bamboo Green, resulting in a comparable triggering of keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance between these two switches.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 offers a high-pitched and resonant profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Bamboo Green switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches can be described as "thocky," meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are characterized as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. These switches provide a tactile experience with two stages, offering a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. The tactility of the Bamboo Green switches is prominent but not overwhelming, giving a medium tactile feel. The sharp and crisp tactile bump can be distinctly felt with every keypress. Furthermore, the polished finish of these switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a gentle feel without pronounced characteristics, making them approachable to most users. Like the Bamboo Green switches, the Polaris Gray switches have a polished finish that provides a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
To summarize, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. They offer a clacky sound signature and a crisp tactile bump. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as a mild and polished feel. They offer a bouncy typing experience and a gentle touch. While the subjective qualities of these switches differ, both offer a polished finish for smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences, the Bamboo Green switches will provide a more tactile experience with a sharper sound, while the Polaris Gray switches offer a milder feel and a low-pitched sound. If you prefer the feel of one switch but want a similar sound profile of the other, it is possible to achieve similar results by considering factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. These switches provide a clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility, giving you a satisfying typing experience. They are best suited for those who prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches can be described as stepped and accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. With their polished finish, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a great option. These switches offer a bouncy typing experience and produce a clean and clacky sound. They are best suited for those who enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, as they have a low-pitched sound profile. The Polaris Gray switches can be described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer sharper and higher-pitched switches with a more accented and stepped tactility, go for the Bamboo Green. However, if you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, opt for the Polaris Gray. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose according to your individual needs and preferences.
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