Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch is crucial in creating the perfect typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. With a stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished feel, it offers a unique tactile sensation that some users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that showcases the beauty of smoothness. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design provide a buttery smooth typing experience. With a low-pitched, neutral, and mild feel, it offers a more subtle and consistent typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. It is neither very crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches have different materials with distinct effects on sound. The Bamboo Green has a PBT bottom housing, which again provides a neutral sound profile. It neither enhances nor dulls the sound produced. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials, it is important to note that the top housing mainly affects the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, but with variations in sound profiles and aesthetic qualities to cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences. The Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires a higher force of 62 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon only needs 53 grams. The Bamboo Green falls under the medium category for both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Sea Salt Lemon is considered medium-light.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or extended periods of typing may lean towards the Bamboo Green switch. The lighter actuation force allows for faster keystrokes and less finger fatigue over time. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel might find the Sea Salt Lemon switch more appealing. The heavier bottom out force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity during typing sessions.
In terms of similarities, both switches have medium actuation forces, ensuring a balanced and responsive typing experience. Additionally, they both fall within the medium range for bottom out forces, although the Sea Salt Lemon is slightly lighter. This means that users can expect comparable typing results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with slight variations in the overall weight of the keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch will depend on individual preferences for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when it comes to the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether you choose the Bamboo Green or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect to get the same results in terms of travel distance.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 known for their high-pitched and resonant characteristics. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a more lively and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. With a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, these switches offer a more moderate and balanced auditory experience suitable for a variety of preferences and environments. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are often described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. They provide a tactile experience with two stages, offering a mild and distinct tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch's high feedback intensity and crisp tactile bump make every keypress a noticeable and satisfying sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches adds to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild typing experience. With a gentle and approachable feel, these switches provide a comfortable experience without pronounced characteristics. They offer a safe and middle-ground zone for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switches have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches provide a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience. It is important to consider your preferences and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches. If you are looking for a vibrant sound and a more noticeable tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green switches will be the better choice. However, if you prefer a mellow sound and a more subtle tactile experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switches will provide similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Bamboo Green is best suited for those who enjoy a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. If you appreciate a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel, the Bamboo Green would be a great choice for you.
On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option for those who prefer a buttery smooth typing experience. With its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, this switch provides a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. If you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild feel, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the ideal switch for you.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a clacky sound and a prominent tactile feel, the Bamboo Green would be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and a gentle feel, the Sea Salt Lemon would be more fitting.
In the end, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal typing preferences when making your decision. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the switch that will provide you with the best typing experience tailored to your needs.
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