Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Quinn 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 Gateron Quinn, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Bamboo Green switches are well-known for their clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. With a set of distinct descriptors including stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished, these switches offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. With a diverse set of categorizations including snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant, users can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump with each keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Quinn differ in their housing materials, with the Bamboo Green featuring a PBT top housing and a PBT bottom housing, while the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a neutral sound, not particularly crisp or dull. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have different housing materials, they still provide similar results in terms of sound, although with differing characteristics.
Although the top housings of the Bamboo Green and the Quinn have different materials, their impact on the sound when releasing a key is similar. Both the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green and the nylon top housing of the Quinn contribute to the sound profile when a key is released. However, the bottom housing of each switch differs. The PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green has a neutral sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn adds to the deep and full sound profile. Therefore, pressing down on these switches will provide different experiences in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Quinn differ in their housing materials, they still provide comparable results. Both switches have top housings that impact the sound when releasing a key, but the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a neutral sound, while the Quinn's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the bottom housings of the two switches have distinct characteristics, with the Bamboo Green's PBT housing offering a neutral sound and the Quinn's nylon housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound. Thus, users can expect different experiences when pressing down on these switches, but the overall results will ultimately be similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Quinn's 59 grams, making the Bamboo Green more sensitive to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium force range. When it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires a force of 62 grams, whereas the Quinn requires a slightly heavier force of 67 grams, indicating that the Quinn provides a more substantial typing experience.
Considerations for weight play a significant role in selecting a switch. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find the Bamboo Green more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Quinn, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, it is important to note that they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Bamboo Green or the Quinn, you can expect similar results in terms of actuating keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sensitivity and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see that the Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Bamboo Green falls into the more traditional range of travel distances at 4.0 mm, while the Quinn is on the shallower side at 3.4 mm. This suggests that the Bamboo Green may provide a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Quinn switch. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If quick responsiveness is your preference, the shorter travel distance of the Quinn switch may be a better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and substantial keypress experience, the Bamboo Green switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing or gaming 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 produces a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. The switch offers a clean and sharp sound that can be described as clacky. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile. It provides a bassy sound with a lower frequency range. The Quinn switch also has a clacky sound characteristic. Both switches offer a crisp and bright sound, although the Bamboo Green leans more towards a higher-pitched profile, while the Quinn offers a richer and bassier tone.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience. The switch has a mild tactility with a noticeable pre-travel and post-travel. The tactility is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Quinn switch offers an accented tactile feel. It provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Quinn switch also has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth keystrokes. The Quinn switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience with an alive feel. The Bamboo Green, on the other hand, offers a sharp and strong tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound profile with a high-pitched and resonant tone. It has a stepped and accented tactile feel with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a deep and resonant sound with a bassy and clacky tone. It also provides an accented tactile experience with a polished finish and a snappy feel. Both switches offer a clean and sharp sound, as well as a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on the user's preferences for sound and tactile feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature accompanied by 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 switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be more suitable. In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Quinn provides a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound. As for the feel, the Bamboo Green is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, while the Quinn is characterized as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and key force required.