Everglide Bamboo Green vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Yunhai each offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their sharp, polished tactility, delivering a clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke. This makes them an excellent choice for typists seeking a more engaging and dynamic experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches present a smooth and gentle typing experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and a remarkably light actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a soft and effortless touch as they type. While the Bamboo Green's signature resonates with more audibly engaged typists, the Yunhai caters to users looking for comfort and ease. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Yunhai present an intriguing contrast in the realm of mechanical switch design. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings, contributing to a sound profile that balances neutrality without skewing too bright or dull. This material is seldom used for switch housings, making its application in the Bamboo Green stand out. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a classic choice renowned for its softer qualities. This characteristic leads to a fuller, rounder sound profile as the nylon absorbs more sound, providing a deeper auditory feedback that is markedly different from the Bamboo Green's more balanced neutral sound.
In terms of performance, the differences in housing materials significantly affect the feel and sound produced when using each switch. The Everglide Bamboo Green's PBT design implies a slightly snappier response, where the impact of the acoustics is evenly distributed, thanks to the uniformity of material across both the top and bottom. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai, with its dual nylon construction, allows for a richer sound experience as the softness of the nylon takes center stage, fulfilling its role in producing a deeper bottoming out sound while dampening the sharper sounds commonly associated with harder materials. This differentiation indicates that the Bamboo Green will yield a more neutral performance, while the Yunhai may appeal to those who prefer a fuller auditory experience.
Interestingly, if the two switches were to be compared in a scenario where the qualities of each housing would be realized, both could lead to satisfying mechanical experiences despite their distinct differences. Pressing the Bamboo Green would provide a balanced sound, with its PBT materials delivering a consistent experience in both the actuation and release phases. Meanwhile, the Yunhai would offer a sound that is distinctly darker and more subdued upon both pressing down and releasing. Although the construction materials differ, the results they can achieve might overlap in certain aspects of user preference, particularly when one appreciates the subtleties of sound in mechanical typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the TTC Yunhai could boil down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback rather than a definitive superiority of one material over the other.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. As a result, while both switches are relatively close in actuation force, the Bamboo Green requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Yunhai. Therefore, if you desire a heavier typing feel and don’t mind the extra effort, the Bamboo Green would be the better choice; however, for those who prioritize a lighter switch for comfort during extended use, the Yunhai is the way to go.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the Bamboo Green's deeper press, offering a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Yunhai’s shorter travel distance promotes quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers wishing for a rapid actuation. Consequently, those who appreciate a more pronounced feel may be inclined towards the Bamboo Green, while those favoring speed and responsiveness could opt for the Yunhai. Therefore, if you seek a richer typing experience, the Bamboo Green is the better choice, whereas for swift actions, the Yunhai stands out as the shorter 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound signature and resonant qualities. Many users appreciate the sharp and crisp sound produced when typing, as it provides an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. The clean and sharp nature of its sound profile makes it an attractive option for those who prefer a less rich and more vibrant auditory backdrop. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile. This softer auditory experience may appeal to those who are looking for a quieter typing environment, but specific descriptors for its sound characteristics are not available. Consequently, the Bamboo Green's acoustic qualities are better defined compared to the Yunhai.
When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green offers a rich tactile experience that is defined by several descriptors. Its stepped profile provides a unique sensation during keystrokes, giving typists a clear indication of actuation with a mild but distinguishable bump. The switch is also accented, delivering medium tactility that isn't overly intense and thus suitable for various typing styles. Users can expect a sharp tactile feedback that is both prominent and satisfying, while also experiencing a polished finish that contributes to a smooth and refined typing feel. Conversely, the feel of the TTC Yunhai linear switch is notably less tactile due to its linear nature—however, its precise tactile qualities remain unspecified. The absence of a tactile bump may mean a more fluid typing experience, appealing to those who prefer seamless movement without interruption.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and TTC Yunhai switches offer unique and distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Bamboo Green excels in sound and tactile feedback with its sharply defined auditory and physical responses, the Yunhai provides a softer auditory experience, albeit with less defined tactile qualities. If you favor the clacky and tactile style of the Bamboo Green, you might appreciate the seamlessness and dampened effects of the Yunhai for a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory engagement and tactile feedback over a quieter and smoother keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended uses. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback along with a higher-pitched, resonant sound, the Bamboo Green is your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a balanced feel, ideal for those who appreciate a defined typing experience with sharp stops that evoke engagement during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and lighter keypress, the TTC Yunhai switch's gentle 50 grams of actuation force makes it perfect for extended typing without fatigue. The deep, rounded sound profile is less intrusive, appealing to those who prefer a quieter workspace. In essence, if you thrive on a tactile and auditory experience that enhances each keystroke, the Bamboo Greens should be your go-to; conversely, if you desire effortless keypresses with minimal resistance and a more subdued audio footprint, opt for the Yunhai switches.