Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, your decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience. The Bamboo Green offers a tactile experience with a clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, categorized as 'Stepped', 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Sharp', 'Resonant', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Purple Star provides a linear typing experience with a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, characterized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. If you prefer a more pronounced feedback and sound when typing, the Bamboo Green may be the ideal choice. However, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Purple Star could be the better fit for you. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Purple Star, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the Purple Star utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a neutral sound profile with neither being overly crisp nor dull. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green provides a subtle sound, while the POM housing of the Purple Star offers a deeper and more muted sound.
One key difference between the housing materials of the Bamboo Green and the Purple Star is the overall sound profile they create. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound that is neither too sharp nor too dull, while the POM housing of the Purple Star produces a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. This contrast in sound profiles may appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with some preferring the neutral sound of PBT housing and others enjoying the deeper tones of POM housing.
Despite the differences in sound profile, the impact of the housing materials can be felt in similar ways. The bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. While the PBT and POM materials may have their own unique characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Bamboo Green and Purple Star will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the actuation force is the same at 43 grams for both. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Bamboo Green being heavier at 62 grams compared to the Purple Star at 50 grams. The Bamboo Green offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star is lighter, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their bottom out force, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch. The Bamboo Green offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Purple Star provides a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Purple Star for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Depending on your preference for sound, the Bamboo Green may be more suitable for those who enjoy a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, while the Purple Star is better suited for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is known for its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feel. This means that users can expect a switch with distinctive tactile feedback and a refined, smooth typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing feel, providing a gentle typing experience with light actuation force and minimal resistance. While the Bamboo Green is more geared towards users who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a more intense typing feel, the Purple Star is better suited for those who prefer a softer, more effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles tailored to different preferences. The Bamboo Green provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more intense and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, catering to those who prefer a quieter and gentler typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound intensity and tactile feedback or prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a clacky sound with a sharp and sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider how you type, the sound profile you prefer, and the level of tactility you enjoy to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your individual preferences.