Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind - the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Swift. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch, known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch, offering a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a lighter actuation force, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and easier-to-press key switch. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Swift both use different housing materials for their switches, with the Bamboo Green utilizing PBT for both the top and bottom housing, while the Swift uses nylon for both components. PBT is described as offering a neutral sound profile, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. However, both materials do not result in a very crisp sound, with nylon being slightly duller and rounder compared to PBT.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the sound profiles created by their respective housing materials. The Bamboo Green with its PBT housing is likely to produce a more neutral and balanced sound when typing, while the Swift's nylon housing may result in a sound that is deeper and fuller. This difference could impact the overall typing experience for users, with some preferring a crisper sound (such as that of the PBT housing) over a duller and rounder sound (associated with nylon).
Despite their differences, it is important to note that both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Swift will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the impact of their housing materials. Whether it is the PBT top and bottom housing of the Bamboo Green or the nylon housing of the Swift, both materials play a crucial role in influencing the sound profile and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect to experience a difference in sound and key feel based on the housing material used in either switch.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Bamboo Green has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams, while the Swift only needs 50 grams, making the Swift lighter in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Swift due to its lower bottom out force, allowing for longer and more comfortable typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we see that the Bamboo Green has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Swift's 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being on the slightly longer side. Gamers may prefer the Swift with its slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more robust tactile feel may lean towards the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the specific feel that each switch provides.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Bamboo Green having a more high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Swift has a sharper and more percussive clacky sound. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch provides a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, offering a medium level of tactility that is not too overwhelming nor too subtle. The switch has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress, enhancing the typing feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy typing experience, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and providing a smooth and buttery sensation during typing. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Bamboo Green providing a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Swift's smoother and lighter typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Bamboo Green is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound, as well as its stepped and sharp tactile feel, the Swift stands out with its clacky sound and easy-to-press, feathery typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, typists can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and performance that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force, a clacky sound signature with crisp tactility, and a sharp tactile bump, the Bamboo Green switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a deep sound profile with silky smoothness, and an easy-to-press feel that reduces finger fatigue, then the HMX Swift switch might better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize factors like key feel, sound profile, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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