Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider both the sound and tactile experience it provides. Two popular options that offer distinct qualities are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, also a tactile switch. The Bamboo Green switches are known for their clacky sound signature, delivering a crisp and sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a refined sound profile, combining the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in terms of their housing materials, which significantly impact the sound profiles of the switches. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. While not particularly crisp, it also avoids being dull. Conversely, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, when releasing a key, the U4Tx is likely to produce a more resonant and melodious sound compared to the Bamboo Green.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green employs the same PBT material as its top housing. Thus, it maintains a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the U4Tx integrates its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. This specialized plastic blend, similar to "boba plastic," offers a softness that enhances the sound produced during bottom-out. Consequently, when pressing down on the switch, the U4Tx is expected to deliver a smoother and more satisfying sound and feel compared to the Bamboo Green.
While each switch's top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in determining the sound profile, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4Tx provide desirable qualities. Their common use of PBT for the top housing ensures a neutral sound profile, even though the U4Tx's Gazzew blend amplifies it with a deeper resonance. Similarly, their bottom housings maintain a neutral sound profile, though the U4Tx's unique blend introduces a softer and more enjoyable bottom-out experience. In summary, while the materials used and resulting sound profiles differ between these switches, both offer satisfactory sound experiences to keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green is lighter in comparison to the U4Tx. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the U4Tx's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, with the Bamboo Green at 62 grams and the U4Tx at 65 grams, leaning towards the heavier side.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Bamboo Green more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This could be beneficial for individuals using their keyboards for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the U4Tx, with its heavier bottom out force.
While the specifics of the actuation force for the U4Tx are unknown, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range for their bottom out forces. This means that regardless of the difference in actuation force, users can expect similar results when it comes to the feeling of pressing the keys down fully.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gazzew U4Tx will depend on personal preferences for typing experience. Some may prioritize lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier switches for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches have different travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being slightly longer. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Bamboo Green is on the more traditional side, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4Tx is considered shallower. Shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers, as they provide faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key press, the Bamboo Green with its longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired feel while typing.
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 U4Tx 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a sharp and crisp sound, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a contrasting sound experience. It is described as bassy and muted, producing a deeper and richer sound during key presses while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The U4Tx switch combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out, resulting in a refined and cleaner sound profile. Depending on the user's preference, the Bamboo Green switch offers a higher-pitched and more immersive sound, while the U4Tx switch provides a bassy and muted sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches share the descriptor of being sharp. Sharp tactile switches are known for their high feedback intensity, featuring a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. However, the Bamboo Green switch offers additional descriptors such as being stepped, accented, and polished. Stepped switches provide a two-stage feel with pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. Accented switches, on the other hand, provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Finally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch only includes the descriptor of being sharp, indicating a high feedback intensity during key presses. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Bamboo Green offering a more varied feel with its additional descriptors.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Bamboo Green switch provides a clacky sound signature with crisp tactility, characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. Additionally, it offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a mild tactile experience with a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch combines a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound, resulting in a cleaner and refined sound profile. It also offers a sharp tactile bump, delivering a high feedback intensity with each keypress. Both switches offer unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, both switches have similar weights with the Bamboo Green at 62 grams and the U4Tx at 65 grams. Therefore, the weight of the switch may not be a deciding factor in this comparison.
In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch provides a deeper and richer sound characterized by a lower frequency range, creating a bassy and muted sound. So, if you prefer a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deeper tone, the U4Tx may be the better choice for you.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Bamboo Green and U4Tx have a sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity. However, the Bamboo Green has a stepped and accented feel, with two stages that offer mild tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4Tx only has a sharp tactile feel, lacking the stepped, accented, and polished attributes of the Bamboo Green.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch depends on your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Bamboo Green may be the better fit for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a bassy and muted sound profile, along with a sharp tactile feel, the U4Tx may be the preferred option. Consider these factors carefully to ensure a luxurious typing experience that aligns with your preferences.