Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an excellent option for typists who appreciate a lively and responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree Grayish offers a smoother, tactile feel with a medium weight and a more subdued sound profile, catering to users who prefer a less intrusive typing experience. The EverFree switches, crafted from custom molds, are positioned as a stellar default option for those seeking a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. While both switches have their unique advantages, such as the Box White V2's distinct auditory feedback and the EverFree's approachable design, it's essential to delve deeper into their specifics to determine the best fit for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to clear resonance when keys are pressed, enhancing feedback that typists seek. Additionally, both switches feature a translucent design, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications. This uniformity in top housing material ensures that whether you're using the Box White V2 or the EverFree, the aesthetic appeal and sound characteristics remain relatively consistent, catering to users who prioritize visibility and acoustics in their mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches differ, as the Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing while the Gateron EverFree also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer alternatives. This means that while both switches share a consistent acoustic signature from the top housing, they also benefit from the richer, more rounded sound produced from the nylon bottoms. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel, influenced by the nylon material, will be similar in character across both switches, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate.
While the top housings of both switches yield a coherent auditory quality, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allows both switches to achieve a balanced acoustic experience. The Box White V2 and EverFree incorporate polycarbonate’s crisp properties with nylon’s warmer tones, to create a deeper-rich auditory palette when typing. In this way, users can expect a unique yet harmoniously blended sound experience across both models, showcasing how the interplay of different materials can lead to a multitude of auditory experiences in mechanical keyboard designs.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch differ significantly in terms of actuation force. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions with less strain. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish has a notably heavier actuation force of 59 grams, catering to those who favor a more robust and substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Box White V2 has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the EverFree is unknown. This disparity in known forces suggests that users might default to the Box White V2 for a more predictable feel, especially if they prioritize lighter actuation forces for long-term comfort. Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 is lighter and better suited for frequent use, the Gateron EverFree offers a firmer response that some may prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the EverFree (EF) Grayish measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feedback that some users may find preferable for a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the EverFree (EF) Grayish, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who favor quicker responses, especially gamers looking for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you are seeking a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Gateron EverFree would be the better choice, while the Kailh Box White V2 would be ideal for those who appreciate a more expressive typing motion.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out with their crisp audible click, delivering a sharp and pronounced sound that makes each keystroke highly satisfying and distinctly noticeable. This clicky profile makes them particularly appealing for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches are characterized by their neutral sound signature. With a moderate actuation force requirement, the sound produced is suitable for various contexts, whether at home or in a professional setting. The neutrality of the EF Grayish makes it less intrusive than the Box White V2, catering to users who prefer a quieter environment.
When discussing feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a pronounced tactile feedback, offering a highly engaging experience as users feel the distinctive click with each keystroke. However, the specifics of the tactile feedback in terms of "bump" characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches are described as having a stepped tactile feel, which means they have a noticeable tactile bump that is less intense than hypertactile options. Additionally, the EF Grayish incorporates a snappy response, attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, creating a lively typing experience. This combination makes it approachable for users who appreciate a tactile feel without being overwhelmed.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches provide a loud, crisp auditory feedback along with strong tactile feedback that appeals to users who thrive on the sound and sensation of their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild yet snappy stepped tactile feel, making them a practical choice for a broad range of users. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to select based on their desired typing environment and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a pronounced audible click and crisp feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, particularly for activities that benefit from that satisfying sound, such as coding or gaming. Its lighter actuation could be favorable if you prefer quicker keystrokes and an engaging typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you seek a neutral and balanced feel without an overwhelming sound profile, the EverFree Grayish might be the way to go. Its stepped tactile design provides a subtle but enjoyable sensation during typing, making it suitable for a broader range of environments—be it at home or in a professional setting—while still allowing for a responsive feel thanks to its snappy actuation. Ultimately, selecting the right switch boils down to how much you value auditory feedback versus a versatile typing experience that can seamlessly transition between different tasks.
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