Everglide Bamboo Green vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star RedBlue. The Bamboo Green switch is well-known for its clacky sound signature and a crisp, tactile feel while typing. It is categorized as having a stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished profile. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switch stands out for its medium-light typing experience and relatively higher-pitched sound profile. It is categorized as having a low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished profile. Both switches offer unique features and advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star RedBlue differ in terms of their housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the RedBlue incorporates a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. PBT offers a neutral sound profile with neither a crisp nor a dull sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition.
In terms of aesthetics, the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for a more vibrant display of colors. In contrast, the Bamboo Green's PBT top housing does not offer the same level of light transmission. However, both housing materials serve their purpose effectively, albeit with different visual effects.
When it comes to the feel and sound of the switches, the bottom housing material plays a more significant role. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing provides a neutral sound profile, which contributes to a consistent typing experience. Meanwhile, the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, which can be more noticeable during key presses. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether it is PBT or polycarbonate, affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific housing materials may differ between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star RedBlue, the qualities they bring to the switch are still present, just distributed between the top and bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. In comparison, the RedBlue does not provide specific information about its actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the RedBlue switch may be a better choice, as its bottom out force is lower than the Bamboo Green. This lighter weight can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, such as when using the keyboard at work or during extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Bamboo Green switch. With its slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch provides a bit more resistance and feedback when typing. This can be appealing to those who appreciate the tactile sensation and desire a more pronounced keystroke response.
Overall, while the actuation force of the RedBlue switch is unknown, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light weight range. Ultimately, individuals should consider their personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these switches.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 is best known for its clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility. It produces a high-pitched sound when pressed, which provides a sharp and clean auditory experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switch is described as having a stepped and accented feel. This means that it has a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch stands out for its medium-light typing experience. It offers a neutral sound profile with a relatively higher-pitched tone compared to low-pitched switches. With a thocky characteristic, it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, resembling a soft "knock" or "thud." While the sound of the RedBlue switch is not explicitly known, its medium actuation force requirement and moderate sound profile make it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or work. Moreover, similar to the Bamboo Green switch, the RedBlue switch is also polished, resulting in smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offer different sound characteristics. The Bamboo Green switch provides a clacky and sparkling sound experience with a high-pitched tone, while the RedBlue switch offers a thocky and higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch is stepped, accented, and sharp, providing a mild tactile bump and distinct feedback intensity. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch has a mild and approachable feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Although the two switches differ in sound and feel, they both showcase a polished finish and offer smooth typing experiences. Thus, if you desire a clacky and sparkling sound with a stepped and accented feel, the Bamboo Green switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a thocky sound and a mild typing experience, the RedBlue switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who enjoys a clacky sound and a crisp and sparkling tactility when typing, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The medium bottom out force of 62 grams provides a comfortable typing experience. These switches are particularly well-suited for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be a better fit for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches offer a slightly lighter touch. They are known for their special characteristics, including a moderate sound profile and a smooth and refined finish, providing a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star RedBlue switches comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a clacky sound with a sharp and crisp tactility or a higher-pitched sound profile with a smooth and gentle typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
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