Huano Acacia vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, which, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, offers users an excellent typing experience right out of the box. This linear switch is ideal for those who crave smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, making it perfect for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the EF Grayish from Gateron’s Everfree sub-brand presents a different appeal with its tactile feedback and slightly heavier feel. Noted for its neutral sound signature and crafted using custom molds, the EF Grayish offers an enjoyable typing experience, especially for users who appreciate that snappy tactile response without excessive noise. While both switches cater to different preferences—smoothness versus tactile feedback—choosing the right one is ultimately a matter of personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches exhibit striking similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, recognized for its properties that foster a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness in the plastic permits a clear and resonant sound, making both switches ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, ensuring that both switch types can deliver visually appealing results in illuminated keyboards.
In contrast, while the top housings of both the Acacia and the EverFree switches share a common material and thus contribute similarly to sound clarity, their bottom housing materials diverge with both utilizing nylon. Nylon is celebrated for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absence of stiffness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. Therefore, even though both switch designs embrace similar acoustic attributes in the top housing, the bottom housing provides individual sound profiles, emphasizing the nuances that each switch type can bring to a keyboard's auditory landscape.
When considering the interaction between these materials during use, it becomes clear that both switches will yield comparable performance in certain aspects while also showcasing unique qualities based on their housing design. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound upon release, while the nylon bottom housing enriches the typing experience by dampening noise at the bottom-out. Users can expect a cohesive auditory experience, where the crispness from the top and the softness from the bottom merge. Consequently, despite the variations between the bottom materials, the shared attributes of the top housings ensure that both the Huano Acacia and Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches can produce similar sonorous results, particularly in their overall responsiveness to key presses.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, which provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who favor a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the EverFree is not provided. Given that the Acacia's actuation and bottom out forces are known, users can expect a more consistent typing experience, whereas the missing bottom out force for the EverFree leaves an element of uncertainty. Overall, if a lighter switch is desired, the Huano Acacia is the preferable choice, while the Gateron EverFree caters to those who appreciate a heavier feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch measures 3.5 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch provides a deeper press compared to the EverFree, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the EverFree may offer a quicker, more responsive experience, making it potentially more suitable for gamers and those who favor rapid keystrokes. While both switches fall within a contemporary range, the Acacia's longer travel distance could be better for users seeking less abrupt keystrokes, whereas the EverFree may cater to those who value speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
When considering the sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch, it is worth mentioning that this switch typically offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, which appeals to users seeking a tranquility that minimizes noise disturbance, especially in shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature. This means that while it produces a moderate noise level when engaged, it maintains a balance that makes it suitable for various settings, whether in the office or at home. Ultimately, both switches provide a typing sound that caters to diverse environments, but the Acacia prioritizes smoothness and quietude, while the EverFree offers a bit more auditory feedback without being intrusive.
In terms of feel, the Acacia linear switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience right from the start. This smoothness means that users can expect a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke, which is ideal for fast typists or gamers who value fluid motion. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish is distinguished by its stepped and snappy tactile response. This characteristic allows users to experience a clear division during their keystrokes, offering a sense of pre-travel and a responsive snap, making each keypress feel more dynamic and engaging. While the Acacia offers a seamless, frictionless experience, the EverFree provides tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and engagement for those who prefer a touch more feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch present unique advantages catering to different user preferences. The Acacia excels with its quiet operation and ultra-smooth typing, perfect for those who seek minimal noise interference. In contrast, the EverFree offers a tactile experience with a balance of sound and feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a responsive and engaging keystroke. While both switches deliver favorable typing results, your ultimate choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness over tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, consider what typing experience you prioritize. If you prefer a smooth, linear feel with a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a typing experience that is immediately satisfying due to the generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia switch is an excellent choice. It's perfect for fast-paced typing, gaming, or if you simply enjoy a more fluid keystroke without any bumps. On the other hand, if you lean towards tactile feedback and want a satisfying yet neutral sound and feel, then the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch may be your better option. Its stepped and snappy characteristics make it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of feedback with each keystroke, providing a solid typing experience while being versatile enough for both casual and professional environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
