Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish are both tactile switches designed to enhance your typing experience, but they offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz switch stands out for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. Its medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. On the other hand, the EF Grayish switch, from Gateron's EverFree sub-brand, boasts a custom mold construction that offers a neutral sound signature and a medium weight for a balanced typing experience. With an affordable price point, it serves as a solid default option for tactile switch enthusiasts. 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
60g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Aliaz uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to the clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While both switches share the qualities of having a polycarbonate top housing, the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish have distinct characteristics when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the clear and sharp sound profile, with the overall impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Grayish's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, affecting the overall typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. This highlights how the different materials used in the bottom housing can significantly influence the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish both feature a polycarbonate top housing with similar sound profiles, their bottom housing materials diverge in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz with its polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a clear and sharp sound, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience desired, whether it be a crisper sound with the Aliaz or a fuller sound with the EverFree (EF) Grayish.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, the Aliaz also has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, while the bottom out force of the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is not specified. The difference in actuation force is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the user's desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional compared to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the EverFree Grayish switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and quick response times. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted sound profile, which is ideal for quiet environments such as an office setting. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a variety of settings. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Aliaz being quieter and the EverFree Grayish being more versatile for different environments.
As for the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and reduced friction. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as stepped and snappy, providing a different tactile feel with a two-stage sensation and high responsiveness. Depending on your preference for a smoother typing experience or a more responsive feel, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and EverFree (EF) Grayish switches each have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is tailored for a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, while the EverFree Grayish switch offers a more versatile sound profile and a different tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are high-quality options within the Gateron lineup and will provide satisfying typing experiences for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a substantial feel and pronounced typing feedback in a quiet office setting, the Aliaz switch with its heavy bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a versatile and approachable tactile switch with a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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