Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can often be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available. Two popular options that offer unique features and characteristics are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4. The Bamboo Green switches are known for their clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, the U4 switches have a whisper-quiet sound profile. Both switches bring their own strengths and characteristics to the table. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4 have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top housing which offers a neutral sound profile. It provides a balanced sound that is neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile to the switch due to its softness. When letting go of a key, the top housing of the U4 will have a greater impact on the resulting sound compared to the Bamboo Green.
Similarly, in terms of the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green and the U4 differ in their materials and resulting sound profiles. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing that, like its top housing, offers a neutral sound profile. It contributes to a switch's overall sound and feel without being overly crisp or dull. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also contributes to the switch's sound and feel. This "boba plastic" housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing of the U4 will have a greater impact on the resulting bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Bamboo Green.
While the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4 have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both strive to provide a pleasant typing experience. The Bamboo Green's PBT housing offers a neutral sound profile, balancing the crispness and dullness of a switch's sound. Similarly, the U4's Gazzew blend housing creates a rich and deep sound profile, adding a softness to the switch's sound. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, taking into account the impact of each housing material on the sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience, with slight variations in sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that they have identical force requirements. Both switches have an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing them in the medium category. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the feeling of bottoming out.
Considering weight is an important factor when selecting a switch, as it can significantly impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch will benefit from the Everglide Bamboo Green and its 43-gram actuation and bottom out force. This lighter option is perfect for individuals who type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for users desiring a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gazzew U4 is an ideal choice. With its 62-gram actuation and bottom out force, this switch provides a satisfying tactile response and a greater level of resistance. This heavier force can enhance typing accuracy and provide a solid tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
In summary, while both the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gazzew U4 switches have the same actuation and bottom out force, they cater to different preferences. The Everglide Bamboo Green offers a lighter option for prolonged typing sessions, while the Gazzew U4 provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Bamboo Green provides a slightly deeper and more satisfying keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which can lead to faster response times and is often favored by gamers. So, if you prioritize responsiveness and quick typing, the U4 may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more tactile keystroke, the Bamboo Green would be the recommended option.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 are best known for their high-pitched and resonant sound profile. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more rich and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are described as muted and low-pitched. These switches offer a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for those who want to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. However, if you want similar results to the Bamboo Green switches, the U4 switches can provide a comparable experience with their muted and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, both the Bamboo Green and U4 switches are described as sharp tactile switches. Sharp tactile switches are known for their high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile bump that can be felt with each keypress. The Bamboo Green switches are also characterized as stepped and accented. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, while accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4 switches do not have any additional descriptors mentioned, suggesting that they primarily offer a sharp tactile experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Bamboo Green switches would be the preferred choice. However, if you prioritize a sharp tactile feedback without any additional characteristics, the U4 switches can provide a similar experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are known for their clacky sound signature, high-pitched and resonant sound profile, stepped and accented feel, and polished finish. These switches offer a crisp and sparkling tactility with a distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. They have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making them ideal for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched sound. While the Bamboo Green and U4 switches have different subjective qualities, if you are seeking a similar experience, the U4 switches can provide a quieter sound and a sharp tactile feedback, although they may lack the stepped, accented, and polished feel of the Bamboo Green switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be suitable options. However, there are some key differences in their sound and feel.
When it comes to sound, the Bamboo Green switches produce a high-pitched and resonant sound. This means you can expect a sharp and crisp sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4 switches have a muted and low-pitched sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having a sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. However, the Bamboo Green switches are also characterized as having a stepped and accented feel. This means you may experience some pre-travel and/or post-travel, as well as a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches are described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the U4 switches are solely described as having a sharp tactile feel, without any mention of additional characteristics such as stepping, accenting, or polish.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature, a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, and a polished and accented feel, the Bamboo Green switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a whisper-quiet typing experience with a muted and low-pitched sound, while still enjoying a sharp tactile bump, the U4 switches would be more suitable for you.
Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully, and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!
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