Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Weightlessness, both of which are tactile switches. The Bamboo Green is celebrated for its clacky sound signature paired with a crisp and sparkling tactility, delivering a high-pitched, accented, sharp, and resonant feel that many enthusiasts enjoy, especially for its vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feedback that provides a balanced sound profile, striking a great harmony between feel and noise, appealing to those who prefer a more understated experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches often boils down to personal preference: the lively dynamism of the Bamboo Greens versus the refined subtlety of the Weightlessness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron Weightlessness switches highlights the distinct characteristics and auditory qualities imparted by different plastics. The Bamboo Green features PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is noted for providing a neutral sound profile, which means that typing on these switches yields a balanced auditory experience that isn’t overly sharp nor excessively muted. Users can expect a consistent sound when the switch is engaged, as the properties of PBT tend to minimize sharpness while lending an overall solid feel during key presses.
In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches employ nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon’s intrinsic properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to PBT. The flexibility inherent in nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder auditory response. This difference can significantly affect how users perceive the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. The characteristics of nylon, as a softer plastic, tend to enhance the overall cushioning of the sound and feel during typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued, less intrusive auditory experience.
While the two switches utilize different materials, the overall typing experience can still yield similar results when considering how housing materials impact sound profiles. If both switches are constructed with the designated plastics (PBT for the Bamboo Green and nylon for the Weightlessness), the overall feel and sound will ultimately reflect the qualities of the respective materials. The Bamboo Green, while providing a neutral sound profile, may deliver a more defined strike. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness can offer a softer landing due to nylon’s ability to absorb sound more effectively. Typists might choose based on their preference for crispness versus fullness but can find satisfaction in the different characteristics these materials impart on the final typing experience.
Weight
The comparison between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch highlights key differences in actuation forces while noting an ambiguity in the bottom out force of the latter. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the 50 grams required for the Weightlessness, making the Bamboo Green more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer less resistance. However, the Bamboo Green also has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a noticeable feedback during typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness has no specified bottom out force, which leaves its overall tactile experience somewhat uncertain. Therefore, if you’re seeking a heavier feedback feel while typing, the Bamboo Green would be the better choice, whereas the Weightlessness’s unknown bottoming out force may appeal to users who prefer a different, potentially lighter typing experience. Overall, the weights suggest the Bamboo Green offers a medium response, while the Gateron’s lack of a defined bottom out measurement leaves it as a more ambiguous option for users seeking specific force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green offers a more pronounced and deeper feedback, which some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a tactile experience that feels substantial during key presses. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker response times typically sought after by gamers. The shorter travel distance can feel more abrupt, making it ideal for fast-paced activities. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more traditional feel might lean towards the longer travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 makes a strong impression with its clacky sound signature characterized by a high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. This sharp and crisp sound makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more vibrant acoustical experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a more subtle sound profile that can be considered balanced but lacks the same clear resonant quality. While both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience, the Bamboo Green excels in creating a lively and engaging sound, whereas the Weightlessness may appeal to those who favor a quieter, less obtrusive typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch offers a pronounced tactile experience with its sharp and accented feedback. With a high feedback intensity, the tactile bump of the Bamboo Green is distinct and easily noticeable, providing an engaging typing experience that gives a sense of responsiveness. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness is noted for having a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, which may be less likely to stand out during prolonged typing sessions. For users who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances their typing rhythm, the Bamboo Green would be the preferable choice. However, for those who appreciate a gentler touch, the Weightlessness may offer a more comfortable experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch stands out with its clackier sound profile and distinctively sharp tactile feedback, making it ideal for those seeking a vibrant typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a milder sound and a more subtle tactile sensation, which may be preferable for users who desire less auditory and tactile intensity. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel; both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to distinctly different tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Weightlessness switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile response and a vibrant auditory experience while typing, the Bamboo Green will likely be a better fit for you. Its 62-gram bottom out force delivers a satisfying heft and the sharp, resonant sound adds an engaging acoustic layer to your typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more active typing experience with crisp feedback and prefer higher-pitched tones over deeper sounds. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and subtle tactile sensation, the Gateron Weightlessness may be your best choice. Although the specific bottom out force is unknown, these switches are designed to provide a moderate tactile feel and a harmonious sound profile, allowing for a comfortable and quieter typing experience. This makes them particularly suitable for prolonged use or environments where noise levels are a concern. By evaluating your needs for tactile feedback, sound profile, and usage scenarios, you can make an informed decision that suits your typing style and environment.
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