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Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Type L

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

Overview

When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it's important to note the distinct characteristics of each. The Bamboo Green is renowned for its clacky sound and crisp tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Type L from Gateron stands out for its lightness and smoothness, providing a feathery touch that is easy to press. While the Bamboo Green offers a vibrant and sharp typing experience, the Type L provides a more subdued and easy-going feel. 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

38g

Bottom-out force

62g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

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

Nylon

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 Gateron Type L both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Bamboo Green's PBT top and bottom housing offer a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull, while the Type L's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in material between the two switches results in a distinct typing experience for each, with the Bamboo Green offering a more balanced sound and the Type L producing a richer, rounder sound.

One key difference between the two switches is how the housing materials affect the sound when pressing down on a key. The bottom housing, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a greater impact on the overall typing experience. The softer nylon material of the Type L's bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the PBT material of the Bamboo Green's bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing of the switches will influence the sound when releasing a key, with the Bamboo Green's PBT material providing a neutral sound profile and the Type L's nylon material offering a deeper and fuller sound.

Overall, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Type L offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. While the Bamboo Green's PBT material provides a balanced and neutral sound, the Type L's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and offer high-quality performance. Whether you prefer a more traditional sound profile with the Type L or a more modern, balanced sound profile with the Bamboo Green, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Type L linear switch with an actuation force of 38 grams, making the Bamboo Green a bit more tactile. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams for bottoming out while the Type L only needs 45 grams, making the Type L lighter in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Gateron Type L would be the better choice. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that they offer the same amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience for users. This means that whether you choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Gateron Type L linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as tactile feedback, actuation force, and personal preference rather than the travel distance alone.

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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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 offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that is sharp and crisp. This can provide an immersive auditory experience for those who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. The Type L's sound veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum, offering a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to the Bamboo Green. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is characterized by its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feedback, providing a distinct and refined typing experience. The switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, allowing for a comfortable and satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This makes it a comfortable option for gaming, school, or work where prolonged typing is expected. Overall, the feel of a switch is a personal preference, and users may prefer different levels of tactility and actuation force depending on their typing style and preferences.

In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a sharp and resonant sound along with stepped, accented tactile feedback, while the Type L offers a more neutral and subdued sound with feathery and easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile, tactility, and actuation force, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, allowing users to achieve their desired typing feel and sound signature.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force with a clacky sound and sharp tactility, the Bamboo Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a deeper sound profile, and a switch that is easy to press with minimal resistance, the Type L may be more suited to your preferences. Whether you prioritize the feel, sound, or actuation force of the switch, both options offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and typing style.

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