Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion strikes a balance between tactile feedback and a medium weight feel, with a neutral sound signature that appeals to a wider audience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both offer unique housing materials that greatly influence the sound profile of the switches. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both the top and bottom housing, providing a neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor too dull. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant sound. While the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green offers a similar neutral sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Thunder Shadow largely comes down to personal preference. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green is relatively unseen, providing a more understated look compared to the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Thunder Shadow, which is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Additionally, the use of nylon for the bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow gives it a classic look, while the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a more uniform appearance. Both switches offer a unique balance of sound and style, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Ultimately, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinct sound profiles thanks to their different housing materials. While the Bamboo Green provides a more neutral and balanced sound with its PBT housing, the Thunder Shadow delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. However, if you are looking for a switch with a consistent sound profile throughout key presses, the Bamboo Green may be more suitable, whereas the Thunder Shadow offers a dynamic range of sounds depending on whether you are bottoming out a key or releasing it. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Thunder Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is 62 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. Those looking for a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Bamboo Green, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the Thunder Shadow. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, providing a comfortable typing experience for different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice for those who prefer a standard key press depth. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to those looking for a quicker response time during typing or gaming. The Bamboo Green offers a slightly deeper key press feel compared to the Thunder Shadow. If you prefer a more responsive key press, the Thunder Shadow may be the better choice, while the Bamboo Green may be more suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 switches offer a high-pitched and resonant experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches provide a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. The sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the typing surface and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches are described as providing a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a medium tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still noticeable with each keypress. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches are characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel. Both switches provide a unique tactile sensation tailored to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Bamboo Green switches provide a clacky sound and crisp tactility, the Thunder Shadow switches offer a neutral sound profile with a balanced tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and provide users with a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the differences in bottom-out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a clacky sound with a sharp tactility, the Bamboo Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with a neutral sound profile and an invigorating tactile feel, then the Thunder Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
