Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Huano Sakura highlights the diverse preferences gamers and typists alike may have. The Bamboo Green is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound signature and sharp, polished tactility, offering users a more pronounced feedback experience that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. This switch's stepped design makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a tactile sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches present a feather-light touch paired with medium acoustics, making them an excellent option for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Their linear design ensures a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience that can be beneficial for gamers and writers who prioritize speed and fluidity. Both switches cater to specific preferences—whether you seek a tactile response or a weightless feel—however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Huano Sakura, we see a distinct difference in composition and performance characteristics. The Bamboo Green employs PBT, which is known for its neutral sound profile that strikes a balance—it is neither overly crisp nor dull, making it ideal for a versatile typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK, or polyketone, which boasts a higher coefficient of friction, contributing to a noticeable smoothness when typing. With exceptional durability qualities, the POK material exceeds even Nylon and POM in shock resistance and wear resistance. Therefore, while both top housings are designed to enhance the typing experience, the PBT of the Bamboo Green prioritizes sound neutrality, while the POK of the Sakura fosters smoothness and pronounced clackiness.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches present another layer of comparison. The Bamboo Green also features PBT in its bottom housing, consistent with its top housing in delivering a neutral sound profile. This coherence allows both components to work together seamlessly, minimizing potential disruptions in acoustics or feel. On the other hand, the Sakura's use of nylon for its bottom housing imbues the switches with a distinctly deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's inherent properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively due to its relative softness, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This difference suggests that while the Bamboo Green may maintain a level of sound neutrality throughout, the Sakura may provide a more rounded tactile response thanks to its contrasting bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the combination of the two types of materials in the Everglide Bamboo Green and Huano Sakura switches means their performances can diverge significantly. The intricacies of their respective top and bottom housings’ material properties dictate how they handle sound and feel during use. While PBT provides consistency with its neutral profile across the Bamboo Green, the interplay of POK and nylon in the Sakura results in a richer sound experience, particularly at bottom-out, due to nylon's ability to absorb shock and sound. Should both switches utilize materials with similar qualities, the resulting typing experience could yield comparable auditory results; however, in this case, the material differences create unique character and tactile feedback that ultimately enhance user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch with the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sakura switch is lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This distinction means that the Bamboo Green offers a more substantial typing experience, suited for those who prefer a heavier feel, while the Sakura is likely better for users who desire a lighter touch, making it easier to type for extended periods. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter keystroke for long-term use, the Sakura would be the preferred option, whereas those who enjoy more resistance might gravitate towards the Bamboo Green.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances. The Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sakura provides a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that users who favor a deeper keypress experience may prefer the Bamboo Green for its more substantial feel, which also aligns with traditional switch designs. Conversely, gamers or those seeking quicker response times might opt for the Sakura due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the depth of keypress and responsiveness.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
The sound produced by the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches is distinctly characterized by a high-pitched, clacky signature that creates a sharp and crisp auditory experience. This sound profile provides an immersive quality due to its resonant nature, making each keystroke feel lively and pronounced. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers medium acoustics that emphasize a feather-light touch, which can result in a quieter typing experience. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the Bamboo Green is suited for users who enjoy a more vibrant audio feedback during typing sessions, while the Sakura caters to those who prefer a subtler, less intrusive sound, perfect for prolonged use.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Bamboo Green excels with its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished qualities. It provides a tactile experience where users can feel both pre-travel and post-travel; the pronounced tactile bump is characteristic of a medium tactile feel that strikes a balance between being too mild and too overwhelming. The polished finish enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes, resulting in a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch does not have a specified feel profile in the provided information, leaving its tactile feedback and key travel feel somewhat ambiguous. Therefore, users looking for immediate tactile feedback might prefer the Bamboo Green over the Sakura, unless they are specifically seeking the smooth, consistent action typical of linear switches.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Huano Sakura switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Bamboo Green stands out with its expressive sound and varied tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Sakura's lighter touch and muted acoustics make it a candidate for those who prefer a quieter and potentially less tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, where enthusiasts gravitating towards a lively switch might lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions could favor the Huano Sakura.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a pronounced feedback and a satisfying clacky sound, especially during typing sessions where you need to feel the actuation clearly, then the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. The medium bottom-out force of 62 grams ensures that you can achieve that distinctive tactile response without excessive strain, making it suitable for both typists and gamers who appreciate a pronounced sensation during every keystroke. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing for extended periods and prefer a lightweight feel with minimal tactile resistance, the Huano Sakura switch might be more appropriate for you. With a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, these linear switches provide a smooth and effortless keystroke, making them ideal for rapid typing and comfortable, fatigue-free usage. Their medium acoustics and lighter touch will suit those who enjoy a quieter and less physically demanding typing experience. Thus, your decision should align with either your desire for a robust tactile experience or a lighter, more swift typing feel.
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