Everglide Bamboo Green vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering its unique features and typing experiences. Two popular switches that often come up in the discussion are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Duck, both tactile switches. The Bamboo Green is notorious for its clacky sound signature and pronounced tactility. With a categorization of being stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished, it offers a typing experience that is lively and distinct. On the other hand, the Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile, these switches are perfect for those who prefer a milder sensation while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
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 Duck differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both its top and bottom housing, while the Duck features polycarbonate for both. These contrasting materials result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities for each switch.
Starting with the top housing, the Bamboo Green's PBT offers a neutral sound profile, not particularly crisp but not dull either. On the other hand, the Duck's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for the top housing if RGB lighting is desired. This means that the Duck switch will produce a more distinct and vibrant sound when keys are released, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bamboo Green and the Duck share the use of PBT and polycarbonate, respectively. PBT is known to offer a neutral sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, emphasizing the impact and bottom-out sound when pressing down on the keys. This creates a tactile and audibly satisfying experience for typists and gamers alike.
Overall, although the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Duck differ in their housing materials, both PBT and polycarbonate bring specific qualities to the switches. While the Bamboo Green offers a more neutral sound profile with its PBT top and bottom housing, the Duck stands out with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a more subdued sound or a more distinct auditory experience. However, both switches provide durable and reliable housing materials that contribute to the overall performance of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Duck is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, both switches can be considered medium in terms of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams to fully press down, whereas the Duck requires 58 grams. In this aspect, the Duck is lighter than the Bamboo Green.
Weight can be an important consideration when choosing a switch. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch, like the Duck, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Bamboo Green or options with heavier forces. It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range, offering a balance between lightness and a satisfying push feel.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Duck remains unknown, both the Bamboo Green and the Duck can be considered medium in actuation force. However, the Bamboo Green has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Duck's 58 grams. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Duck providing a lighter feel for extended typing, and the Bamboo Green offering a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and experience for users.
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 Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 has a high-pitched and resonant profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground with a moderate sound and actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Bamboo Green switches would be a good choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a more neutral sound, the Duck switches would provide a clean and crispy sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has several descriptors that contribute to its unique typing experience. It is described as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, the switch has a sharp and polished feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as mild and buttery. It offers a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground tactility. The buttery descriptor implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Overall, the Bamboo Green switches would provide a stepped and accented tactility with a strong bump, while the Duck switches would offer a mild and buttery typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switches have a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a clacky and immersive auditory experience. They also offer a stepped, accented, and sharp tactile feel with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Duck switches have a more neutral sound profile and a mild, buttery feel with a polished finish. If you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a clacky sound with a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green switches would be a better fit. It is important to consider personal preferences and priorities when selecting a switch, as these subjective qualities play a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a more clacky and pronounced tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches would be an excellent choice. These switches provide a stepped and accented tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switches would be a perfect fit. These switches offer a mild and buttery smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Duck switches also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and SP-Star Duck switches will depend on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a clacky and pronounced tactile feel with a higher-pitched sound, or a more subtle and gentle tactile feel with a neutral sound. Additionally, take into account the smoothness of the keystroke and reduced friction provided by the polished finish. By considering these factors, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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