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Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TKC Tangerine

An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, but two popular choices worth considering are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Tangerine. The Bamboo Green switch is widely recognized for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. It falls under the tactile switch category, offering a 'stepped', 'high-pitched', 'accented', 'sharp', 'resonant', and 'polished' experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is a linear switch that promises to elevate your typing experience with its incredibly smooth feel. Each keystroke is a pleasure with the Tangerine, thanks in part to its rare UHWMPE housings. While typing on the Tangerine, you can expect a fairly high-pitched clack. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, but to determine the best switch for you, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

43g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

62g

Bottom-out force

62g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

N/A

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

UHWMPE

Bottom housing material

PBT

Bottom housing material

UHWMPE

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated

Spring

Gold coated spring

Housing materials

The Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Tangerine switches both showcase different housing materials in their design. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, while the Tangerine boasts a UHWMPE top housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile, neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine provides a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on these switches. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. However, the Bamboo Green will provide a more balanced auditory experience, while the Tangerine will offer a distinct and vibrant sound.

Similarly, the bottom housing of these switches also differ in material. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, while the Tangerine integrates a UHWMPE bottom housing. The PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile, just like its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine contributes to a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel, become more apparent. Therefore, users can expect a balanced sound and feel from the Bamboo Green, while experiencing a more audible and pronounced bottom-out noise and sensation with the Tangerine.

In summary, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in their housing materials. The PBT top and bottom housing of the Bamboo Green provide a neutral sound profile, while the UHWMPE top and bottom housing of the Tangerine offer a bright and resonant clacking sound. Pressing down on the switches will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, while releasing the key will highlight the impact of the top housing on sound. Although they have distinct sound profiles, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences. Whether you prefer a more balanced auditory experience or an audibly vibrant one, these switches provide options for different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is 43 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unspecified. This means that the Bamboo Green requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Tangerine's actuation force remains unknown, but assuming it is equal to or heavier than the Bamboo Green's, it might provide a more substantial key press feeling.

Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches have a similar force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium. This means that regardless of the different actuation forces, when it comes to fully pressing the keys down, both switches require a similar amount of force. This similarity ensures that users will obtain comparable results in terms of the typing experience, even though the actuation forces differ.

Weight plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, with some individuals favoring lighter switches for extended typing periods, especially when using the keyboard at work or engaging in marathon gaming sessions. These lighter switches like the Bamboo Green can prevent fatigue and strain on the fingers and hands. On the other hand, for those who desire a more robust and substantial feel while typing, switches with heavier actuation forces are preferred. Unfortunately, due to the Tangerine's unavailable actuation force, it is unclear whether it falls into the lighter or heavier category.

In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch differ in terms of the known specifications. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer keystroke, while the Tangerine's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches share the same medium bottom out force, ensuring similar results in terms of fully pressing the keys down. Ultimately, individual preferences and typing needs will determine which switch is the ideal choice based on the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4mm of travel distance. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile or linear experience, respectively, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing experience. In terms of travel distance, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TKC Tangerine are equal, providing users with similar results in terms of key press depth.

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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 tactile switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch also offers a high-pitched sound when pressed. Both switches have a similar sound quality, providing a sharp and crisp sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a high-pitched sound, both the Bamboo Green and Tangerine switches can deliver similar results.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. These switches provide a medium level tactile feedback, offering a noticeable yet not overwhelming level of tactility. The tactile bump is distinct and crisp with each keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the switches contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing sensation.

On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The keystrokes are fluid, seamless, and uniform, providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing sensation. Similar to the Bamboo Green switch, the Tangerine also features a polished finish, enhancing the smoothness and overall comfort of typing.

In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Bamboo Green offers a clacky sound signature and a medium level of tactility with a crisp and sharp tactile bump, the Tangerine provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a buttery keystroke. However, both switches share a high-pitched sound profile and a polished finish, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch and the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and pleasurable typing experience with a fairly high-pitched clack, the Tangerine switch would be the better option. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, so the decision primarily lies in the sound and feel you desire. The Bamboo Green offers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel, while the Tangerine provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your typing experience.

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