Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX SU offer distinctly different experiences tailored to user's preferences. The Bamboo Green is renowned for its tactile feedback and vibrant sound profile, delivering a clacky, high-pitched resonance that many typists appreciate for its auditory and tactile cues. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience with a sharp and polished feel. On the other hand, the HMX SU features a linear design characterized by a smoother keystroke without tactile bumps. The full PA12 housing coupled with a T5 stem produces a subtly deeper sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer quieter operation and uninterrupted flow during typing or gaming. Both switches have their own unique appeals; the clacky tactility of the Bamboo Green might fuel your enthusiasm for typing, while the smoothness of the HMX SU could enhance your gaming performance. However, 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
45g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX SU key switches utilize different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Bamboo Green features PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. Known for its neutrality, PBT produces a sound that is neither overly crisp nor dull, providing a balanced acoustic quality. This characteristic steady sound profile can lead to a more consistent typing experience, as users can expect similar auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is recognized for its classic attributes. The softer nature of nylon results in a deeper, fuller sound, making each keystroke resonate with a richness that differs from the Bamboo Green's more neutral tone.
While the two switches use different materials, the impact of these housings on the typing experience highlights how the properties of each can enhance or diminish aspects of sound and feel. The HMX SU's nylon construction absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory feedback. This creates a contrasting experience from the Bamboo Green's PBT, which while neutral, does not emphasize sound dampening as much. In practical terms, if both switches were tested side-by-side, one might notice that while the Bamboo Green offers a crisper sensation and consistent feedback, the HMX SU provides a softer, richer auditory cue with a rounder sound signature.
Ultimately, both the Bamboo Green and HMX SU switches deliver distinct typing experiences driven by their housing materials. The separated influence of each housing on sound is worth noting; for instance, the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing mainly impacts the release sound. This means that despite their differing materials, if either switch were to utilize a combination of PBT and nylon for their respective top and bottom housings, users could potentially achieve a blend of the two sound profiles. Consequently, the typing experience can be tailored to fit individual preferences, balancing crispness and depth according to the housing combinations used.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX SU has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Bamboo Green, but a notably lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require a similar amount of force to actuate, the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial feedback when bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing and gaming sessions might lean towards the HMX SU due to its lower bottom out force. Conversely, users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience may find the Bamboo Green more satisfying despite its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Bamboo Green is better suited for those who appreciate a moderate feel, while the HMX SU will appeal to users seeking a lighter switch with less resistance at the end of the keystroke.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Bamboo Green the longer option, providing a more pronounced and satisfying depth with each keystroke, which some users might appreciate for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, caters to the growing preference for quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers seeking efficient performance in their gameplay. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the HMX SU would be the better choice, whereas the Bamboo Green would be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preference between depth 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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Bamboo Green produces a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that resonates sharply during typing, bringing a level of auditory satisfaction that many enthusiasts appreciate. Its sound is both crisp and clear, creating an immersive experience that can make typing feel more enjoyable and pronounced. In contrast, while there is limited information available about the sound production of the HMX SU, it is characterized by a relatively deep and subtle sound profile due to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. This difference suggests that those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback may lean towards the Bamboo Green due to its brighter, more resonant sound, while those who prefer a softer sound may find the SU more appealing, though both will exhibit varying characteristics depending on the keyboard and keycaps employed.
In terms of tactile feel, the Bamboo Green switch is rich with various tactile qualities. It features a stepped nature with a medium-level tactility that is neither too intense nor too mild, delivering a sharp and distinct tactile bump with every keypress. The switch's polished finish enhances its smoothness, making for a refined typing experience that minimizes friction. This combination makes the Bamboo Green a strong choice for typists who enjoy tactile feedback without overwhelming force. On the other hand, there is no specific information regarding the feel of the HMX SU linear switch. This lack of detail leaves potential users without a clear understanding of the tactile experience, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons in that regard.
In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch stands out for its crisp, clacky sound and pronounced tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Although the HMX SU linear switch has a more subdued sound profile, its precise tactile characteristics remain unspecified. If you're drawn to a sound that complements tactile feedback, the Bamboo Green would be the ideal choice. However, if your priorities lean toward a smoother and quieter typing experience without the nuances of tactility, the SU could be worth exploring further. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so understanding your personal preferences will be key to making the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering your options between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it’s essential to reflect on your typing preferences and application. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a pronounced auditory experience, the Bamboo Green switches are an excellent choice. Their medium actuation force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance, making them ideal for typists who value a crisp and clacky sound profile, especially those who appreciate the “stepped” sensation that these switches deliver with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch with minimal resistance, the HMX SU switch with its 50-gram actuation force could be the way to go. These linear switches offer a more subdued and deep sound profile without the tactile bump, ensuring a quieter and more fluid typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for gamers or anyone who types for extended periods without wanting tactile interruptions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style—whether you desire sharp tactile feedback or a seamless and gentle keypress.
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