Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Vintage Citrus offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their distinctive clacky sound and crisp, polished tactility, making them a favorite among typists seeking tactile feedback. Their sharp sound profile adds an engaging auditory layer to your typing experience, perfect for those who cherish every keystroke. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switches are designed with gamers in mind, featuring a feather-light actuation force of just 1mm that enables rapid-fire inputs, crucial for competitive play. Their exceptionally smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound present a combination that's hard to resist for those looking for speed and responsiveness. While both switches offer engaging experiences, they cater to different needs—tactile feedback versus speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, two distinct types of plastics are employed: PBT for the Bamboo Green and nylon for the Vintage Citrus. The Bamboo Green's PBT top and bottom housings provide a neutral sound profile that does not lean too sharply toward either crispness or dullness. This balanced characteristic allows for a sound that is soothing to the ear, making it suitable for users who prefer a more muted acoustic feedback while typing. The absence of pronounced sound dynamics may appeal to those who enjoy a more consistent typing experience without sharp auditory interruptions.
In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus featuring nylon top and bottom housings offers a decidedly different acoustic experience. Nylon, being a softer and more absorbent material, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Typing on switches that use nylon can result in a duller and rounder auditory feedback, which many users find comfortable. This richer texture lends itself well to a typist looking for a warm sound that can mask some of the harsher frequencies often produced by harder plastics. Thus, while both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, they cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel.
However, if one were to examine the interactions between the top and bottom housings in each switch, it becomes evident that despite the material differences, both switches can achieve somewhat similar results in the typing experience. The Bamboo Green's neutral sound profile may be perceived as lacking warmth, yet it still maintains an enjoyable auditory output, while the Vintage Citrus offers a deeper sound utilizing the same material throughout. Ultimately, if the acoustic qualities of the top and bottom housings are effectively balanced, one can potentially obtain a satisfying typing feedback from either switch, catering to individual taste through nuanced tonal approaches.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a noticeable tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force at 48 grams, but a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Therefore, while the Bamboo Green requires a lighter initial push, it feels heavier upon bottoming out compared to the Vintage Citrus. This means that typists who favor a lighter overall touch might prefer the Bamboo Green for its easier actuation, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel could lean towards the Vintage Citrus due to its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear distinction arises. The Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the traditional length and is often favored for providing a deeper feel during keypresses. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker responsiveness, particularly in gaming scenarios. This shorter distance can lead to faster response times, though some users might find it too abrupt compared to the deeper travel of the Bamboo Green. Therefore, if you seek a more substantial keypress experience, the Bamboo Green would be the preferable choice, while the Vintage Citrus would suit those valuing speed and quick actuation.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 provide a distinct auditory experience characterized by a clacky and resonant quality. Their high-pitched sound signature offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating an engaging atmosphere for typing or gaming. The bright, clacky profile ensures that each keypress is not only heard but felt, delivering a clean auditory feedback that can enhance performance and enjoyment. In comparison, while the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also possesses a bright and clacky sound profile, specific details about its sound characteristics aren't extensively outlined. Nevertheless, users can expect a similarly lively auditory experience, making both switches appealing for those who favor pronounced acoustic feedback.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green tactile switches shine with a stepped and sharp tactile response. They offer a well-defined tactile bump that adds depth to the typing experience without overwhelming the user, ensuring that each keystroke is met with satisfying feedback. Additionally, their polished nature enhances the overall smoothness of each press, resulting in minimal friction during key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed primarily for speed, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which may yield a notably different feel, accentuating quick, light presses. However, details regarding the tactile response of the Vintage Citrus are not specifically mentioned, leaving some ambiguity about its overall feel in comparison to the Bamboo Green.
Considering the available information, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to distinct preferences in both sound and feel. The Bamboo Green offers a rich tactile experience with a distinct auditory response, perfect for those who appreciate feedback and engagement during use. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes swift actuation and a smooth keystroke ideal for gaming, yet its exact tactile response remains less defined. For users deciding between the two, both switches promise to deliver an enjoyable experience, whether through the tactile delight of the Bamboo Green or the speed-centric design of the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and intended use, as both options can provide satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a tactile experience with a pronounced feedback loop, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, coupled with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a clacky sound and a sharp tactile bump that can enhance the overall enjoyment of writing or coding. This switch is particularly suited for users who like a certain auditory richness and a tactile feel that's both engaging and satisfying during long typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you're more focused on gaming and need something that facilitates rapid inputs, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch would serve you well. With a lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and a rapid actuation point of just 1mm, this switch allows for quick movements and reflexive actions, perfect for competitive play. The smooth push feel makes it less fatiguing during marathon gaming sessions, while its bright and clacky sound delivers a satisfying auditory feedback that's not overly obtrusive. In summary, your decision should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback and sound in your typing experience or prioritize speed and smoothness in gaming scenarios.
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