Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Tomcat represent two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound signature and a crisp, sharp tactility that provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke. Designed for typists who enjoy the sensation of a pronounced bump, its characteristics—stepped, high-pitched, and resonant—make it an appealing choice for those who appreciate an engaging and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat, a linear switch, offers a remarkably smooth feel thanks to its Ly stems, allowing for effortless key presses without any tactile interruption. This switch is ideal for users who favor a quieter typing environment and fluid movement, as its resonant sound profile adds a unique auditory character to the experience. Both switches serve distinct needs; whether you’re looking for tactile feedback in your typing or a seamless and silent experience, each one offers compelling advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Tomcat utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Bamboo Green employs a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, which is known for its neutral sound characteristics. While this helps maintain a balanced audio impression, it lacks the crispness associated with other materials. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound. This distinction means that users of the Bamboo Green can expect a smoother, less pronounced auditory feedback compared to the zestier sound signature of the Tomcat, which appeals to gamers and typists who appreciate a more piercing keystroke response.
The bottom housings of both switches further exemplify their differences. The Bamboo Green features a PBT bottom housing that similarly contributes to its neutral sound profile, making it versatile yet less dynamic. On the other hand, the Tomcat is constructed with a nylon bottom housing. This softer plastic allows for a fuller and deeper auditory experience, as nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than denser materials. Consequently, while the Bamboo Green delivers a consistent typing experience, the Tomcat’s nylon composition enriches the overall sound, making it more substantial and rounded. This fundamental difference in bottom housing also plays a crucial role in the tactile feel and bottom-out sound, heavily influencing the typing experience.
Ultimately, the distinct materials used in the Everglide Bamboo Green and Bsun Tomcat result in two unique sound profiles and user experiences. Even though both switches can offer enjoyable performances, they appeal to different preferences in sound and feel. If one were to seek similar results in terms of sound balance, the Bamboo Green would provide a more subdued experience, while the Tomcat would deliver a sharper and crisper auditory response due to its polycarbonate composition. Therefore, understanding these material attributes is essential for users looking to maximize their typing enjoyment, whether they prefer the classic characteristics of PBT and nylon or the clarity offered by polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we observe some distinctions in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Bamboo Green requires an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly lighter than the Tomcat's 45 grams, making the Bamboo Green the better choice for users seeking a lighter typing experience ideal for prolonged use. In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green reaches 62 grams, while the Tomcat bottoms out at a lighter 54 grams. This indicates that, despite the Bamboo Green requiring a bit more force to register a keystroke, it feels heavier overall upon bottoming out compared to the Tomcat. Hence, for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the Bamboo Green is suitable, while the Tomcat offers a more responsive touch with lighter bottom out feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Bamboo Green the longer option, offering a more traditional and deeper feel during key presses. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. However, this brevity can sometimes feel abrupt for those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus the more tactile depth of travel.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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 switches produce a distinct clacky sound signature characterized by their high-pitched and resonant qualities. Users can expect a sharp, crisp auditory experience that stands out, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and lively sound profile while typing. This contrasts with the Bsun Tomcat switches, which feature a smooth sound profile typically associated with linear switches. However, the Tomcat's precise sound characteristics are unspecified, leaving some ambiguity about how their auditory experience might compare.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches are rich in tactile feedback. They offer a stepped sensation, allowing typists to experience a noticeable pre-travel and post-travel that characterizes their unique tactile nature. This switch type also delivers an accented feel, striking a balance between a prominent tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. Its overall sharpness enhances the tactile experience with each keystroke, providing engaging feedback. On the other hand, the specific tactile feedback of the Tomcat switches remains unknown, but they are typically designed for smoothness, implying a different typing experience devoid of the pronounced tactile nuances found in the Bamboo Green.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Bsun Tomcat switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Bamboo Green excels in providing a vibrant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it well-suited for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. While the Tomcat focuses on smoothness and effortless key presses, it may lack the defined tactile sensation of the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory liveliness and tactile feedback or smoothness in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switches and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback, enjoy the distinct "clacky" sound, and prefer a switch with a slightly heavier actuation at 62 grams, the Bamboo Green may be the better option for you. Its stepped and sharp tactile characteristics are ideal for those who enjoy the feeling of a clear tactile bump with each keystroke, making it suitable for typists who thrive on feedback and auditory stimulation. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with less resistance at 54 grams, the Tomcat linear switch is your go-to choice. With its super smooth key travel and resonant sound profile, it’s perfect for gaming or for prolonged typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue and noise. Thus, assess your typing style, sound preferences, and how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.