Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the virtues of tactile versus linear options, with the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Sunset Gleam epitomizing these distinct categories. The Bamboo Green tactile switches deliver a notable clacky sound and a crisp, sparkling feel that avid typists often cherish for their feedback during typing sessions. This switch is known for its sharp and resonant characteristics, making it a prime choice for those who enjoy a bit of auditory and physical engagement while they type. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, offers a smoother typing experience characterized by its linear action. This switch features an expertly balanced blend of materials that ensures a subtle top-out and satisfying sound, boasting impressive factory lube that enhances performance and reduces friction. Those who favor a quieter, more fluid typing style may find the Sunset Gleam aligns perfectly with their preferences. Overall, while both switches cater to different styles of typing and user experience, the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Sunset Gleam exhibit contrasting characteristics in their housing materials, which contribute significantly to their respective acoustic profiles. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, which is known for providing a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between crispness and dullness. This balanced acoustic profile allows for a versatile typing experience that caters to users who prefer both clarity and warmth in their key presses. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can be perceived as crisper due to the stiffer nature of the material. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also enhances RGB illumination effects, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for those who prioritize visual elements in their keyboards.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the differences become even more pronounced. The Bamboo Green features a PBT bottom housing, mirroring its top housing's characteristics with a similarly neutral sound profile. This consistency results in a typing experience that maintains a uniform sound and feel throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam opts for nylon in the bottom housing, which is notable for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder auditory experience that can contrast with the crispness of its polycarbonate top. This combination of materials causes each switch to deliver a distinct acoustic signature, influenced by the interplay of the harder and softer plastics.
When considering the overall switch experience, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials creates unique effects on how sound and feel manifest during typing. For the Bamboo Green, both top and bottom housings provide a cohesive experience with a neutral auditory landscape. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's split between the crisper, sharper top housing and the deeper, fuller bottom housing results in a more dynamic sound profile. Users looking for a specific typing feel or acoustic quality can thus make an informed choice based on their preferences, understanding that while the materials differ, both switches can offer a satisfying and distinct typing experience based on their unique sound landscapes.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sunset Gleam's lighter 42 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those favoring a lighter touch may opt for the Sunset Gleam. In terms of bottom out forces, the Bamboo Green has a significantly higher force of 62 grams, while the Sunset Gleam only reaches 48 grams when fully depressed. This difference in bottom out force suggests that the Bamboo Green will provide a more pronounced tactile feedback at the end of a keystroke, making it feel sturdier overall. Hence, for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Sunset Gleam may be more comfortable due to its lighter forces, while the Bamboo Green offers a robust experience for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it is clear that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming may gravitate towards the Bamboo Green for its more traditional and hearty feel. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—those who favor a deeper keystroke might opt for the Bamboo Green, whereas those preferring a snappier experience may lean towards the Sunset Gleam.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 considering the sound profile of the Everglide Bamboo Green switch, it is characterized by a high-pitched, clacky resonance that produces a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a lively and engaging sound—a quality often appreciated in both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is designed to offer a subtle top-out sound paired with satisfying clacks, thanks to its excellent factory lubrication. While the Sunset Gleam may not have as pronounced a sound signature as the Bamboo Green, it still conveys a restrained, pleasing acoustics that can create an enjoyable typing environment. Overall, if you prefer a more pronounced soundscape, the Bamboo Green will serve you well, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a refined, quieter option that still provides notable auditory satisfaction.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches cater to users who appreciate a tactile experience. The stepped nature of these switches allows for a distinct differentiation during key presses, along with a sharp tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity with each stroke. This results in a typing experience that balances a medium tactile response with smoothness, due in part to their polished construction. Comparatively, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, while not specifically defined in the tactile categories, generally provides a smoothly progressive keystroke without the tactile feedback that defines the Bamboo Green. This smoothness is suitable for users who prefer a fluid typing experience with no interruptions. Thus, while the Bamboo Green offers pronounced tactile sensations for those who enjoy a "clicky" feel, the Sunset Gleam favors a seamless transition that might appeal to those who gravitate toward a linear style without tactile bumps.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Sunset Gleam switches present distinctly different experiences in both sound and feel. The Bamboo Green’s high-pitched, clacky sound and prominent tactile feedback cater to users seeking an engaging typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more subtle auditory presence with a smoothly linear action. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and touch; however, if you enjoy a pronounced auditory experience, the Bamboo Green will be more fitting, whereas the Sunset Gleam is ideal for those who lean toward a smooth and quiet typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams along with a crisp, clacky sound and a pronounced tactile feedback, then the Bamboo Green is an excellent option. It’s ideal for typists who appreciate a clear tactile bump and sound that can enhance their typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter feel, with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams and a smoother keystroke akin to a subtle clack without the tactile resistance, the Sunset Gleam is the way to go. This switch can offer a more effortless typing experience, particularly for rapid key presses or for gaming, where speed matters. Thus, consider your style: if you crave a tactile, auditory feedback from your keyboard, lean towards the Bamboo Green; if you value a fluid, lightweight linear experience, go for the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, both switches cater to unique preferences, making it essential to align your choice with what feels best for you.
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