Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an almost aggressive tactile feel. With a relatively higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal falls into the categories of 'Sharp' and 'High-pitched'. On the other hand, the EF Grayish switches stand out for their medium weight, neutral sound signature, and approachable price point. Positioned as a stellar default tactile option by Gateron's sub-brand, Everfree, these switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Snappy'. While these general pointers provide a starting point for decision-making, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. While both switches may have similar sound profiles stemming from their nylon bottom housings, the Kailh Box Royal's unique characteristics may still offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish.
On the other hand, the top housing material sets the two switches apart. The Kailh Box Royal features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making the typing experience distinctly different from that of the Kailh Box Royal. This difference in sound profile highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly affect the overall typing experience of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. While both the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish use nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials - nylon for the Box Royal and polycarbonate for the EverFree Grayish - create distinct sound profiles. The softer nylon in the Box Royal results in a deeper sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the EverFree Grayish produces a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Kailh Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish with a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. The bottom out force of the Box Royal is also heavier at 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the EverFree Grayish is unknown. This means that the Box Royal offers a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the EverFree Grayish provides a slightly heavier keystroke. Both switches have their own benefits, with the lighter actuation force of the Box Royal being more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the EverFree Grayish offers a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, the Box Royal has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm while the EverFree Grayish has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The difference of 0.2 mm in travel distance may not be significant for some users, but for others who prefer a more pronounced key press, the longer travel distance of the Box Royal may be more appealing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed, giving off a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a more neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for a wide range of users and settings. The choice between these two switches in terms of sound would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard system, including the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a stepped feel, giving a sensation of two stages within the keystroke. Additionally, the EF Grayish switch is described as snappy, indicating a high level of responsiveness during typing sessions. The decision between these two switches based on feel would also depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels, providing users with different options to suit their preferences. The Box Royal switch is characterized by high-pitched sound and sharp tactility, appealing to those who enjoy aggressive tactility and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the EF Grayish switch provides a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy feel, making it a versatile option for various typing styles and environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user prefers one quality over another, they can expect similar results in both switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch or the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, it really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a highly tactile and sharp switch with a higher pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral feeling switch with a medium weight and a stepped, snappy feel, then the EverFree (EF) Grayish could be the ideal choice. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, so ultimately, it comes down to what feels best for you when you're typing. Consider trying out both switches if possible to see which one suits your typing style and preferences the most.
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