Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a myriad of options available, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Two popular choices in the tactile switch category are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4T. The Bamboo Green switches are renowned for their clacky sound signature and crisp tactility. They belong to a category characterized as stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With their bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke on the U4Ts provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp, the U4T switches have their own unique appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4T switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature PBT top housings that offer a neutral sound profile. The PBT material used in the Bamboo Green switch provides a sound that is neither dull nor overly crisp. Similarly, the U4T switch's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Thus, both switches result in a satisfying sound experience, although they achieve it through different means.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Bamboo Green switch continues to utilize PBT material, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither too sharp nor too muted. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique blend of plastic brings a softness to the switch, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. It influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, adding a unique tactile experience to typing or gaming.
When it comes to pressing and releasing a key, the top housing of a switch plays a significant role in the sound produced. While the Bamboo Green switch utilizes PBT material in its top housing, the U4T switch incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. The Bamboo Green switch offers a neutral sound profile, ensuring that the sound produced when releasing a key is balanced and pleasant. On the other hand, the U4T switch's Gazzew blend top housing brings richness and depth to the sound, enhancing the auditory experience when releasing a key.
In summary, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4T switches utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The Bamboo Green switch's PBT housing offers a neutral sound profile for both the top and the bottom, while the U4T switch's proprietary Gazzew blend housing brings richness and depth to the sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying auditory experience, ensuring a pleasant typing or gaming experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green switch is 43 grams, which is known and considered medium. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4T switch is unavailable, making it difficult to compare in this aspect. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium typing experience in terms of force required to fully press the keys.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. For these users, the Bamboo Green switch would be a favorable choice with its known actuation force of 43 grams. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. This added resistance can enhance the tactile feedback and precision while typing. Unfortunately, without knowledge of the U4T switch's actuation force, it is difficult to determine whether it would cater to those who prefer a heavier push feel.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that regardless of the actuation force, users of both switches will experience a similar level of resistance and satisfaction when fully pressing the keys.
Overall, the Bamboo Green switch is known to have a medium actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter compared to the U4T switch, whose actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, ensuring a consistent level of typing experience in terms of fully pressing the keys.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable key press experience with their identical travel distances.
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 U4T 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
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. When typing on the Bamboo Green switches, users can expect a clacky sound signature accompanied by a crisp and sparkling tactility. The sound profile of the Bamboo Green switches is described as high-pitched and resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts provide a bassy 'thock' sound profile, which is characterized by a lower frequency range and a deep, rich sound reminiscent of bass tones. The U4Ts also offer an assertive tactile feedback that adds to the overall satisfaction of using the switch.
In terms of feel, both the Bamboo Green and the U4T switches share the descriptor of being sharp tactile switches. This means that they provide a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches are described as stepped, indicating a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. They are also considered accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The U4T switches, on the other hand, do not have any additional descriptors in terms of feel, but they share the characteristic of being sharp tactile switches.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bamboo Green switches provide a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the U4Ts embody a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, offering a bassy 'thock' sound profile. Both switches are described as sharp tactile switches, providing an intense tactile feedback. The Bamboo Green switches are also stepped and accented, while the U4Ts do not have any additional descriptors. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when selecting a switch to achieve the desired auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be a great choice. It is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp and sparkling tactility, providing an auditory and tactile satisfaction while typing. With its higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Bamboo Green switches offer a clean and sharp typing experience. Additionally, these switches are described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a similar medium bottom out force of 62 grams but crave a different tactile and auditory experience, the Gazzew U4T switches would be an excellent option. These switches are best known for their harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. With a sharp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly, the U4T switches offer a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature with crisp tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be a suitable option. Conversely, if you prefer a thocky sound profile with a strong tactile bump, the Gazzew U4T switches would be more appealing. Consider your desired auditory and tactile experience when making your decision.
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