Huano Elf vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can dramatically affect your typing and gaming experience. The **Huano Elf** switches are celebrated for their smooth linear action, characterized by a POK top housing that enhances acoustics to produce a rich, deep sound signature. Their medium-light feel makes them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the **Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish** switches offer a tactile experience that is both engaging and satisfying. Crafted with custom molds, these switches feature a medium weight and a neutral sound signature, making them a versatile and budget-friendly option for users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feel without the distractions of excessive noise. Each switch has its distinct advantages: the Elf is ideal for users seeking a smooth and serene typing experience, while the EverFree Grayish caters to those who crave tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which play a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound profile. The Elf utilizes a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a seamless typing experience. This material not only has impressive wear resistance but also offers greater shock resistance than alternative materials like nylon and POM. Conversely, the EverFree adopts a polycarbonate top housing, which, thanks to its stiffer characteristics, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In summary, while the Elf's POK material prioritizes smoothness and durability, the EverFree’s polycarbonate emphasizes sound clarity and visual attraction.
In terms of their bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic material known for its softer and more absorbent qualities. This uniformity in bottom housing leads to a similar auditory experience when typing, as nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The absorption capabilities of nylon contribute to a softer overall feel, resulting in a rounder sound that contrasts with the sharper tone of the Elf's POK and the EverFree's polycarbonate top housings. Thus, despite their different top materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a depth of sound, ultimately guiding the overall acoustic performance towards a rich auditory experience.
The combination of the distinct top housing materials and the uniform bottom housing showcases the resulting diversity in acoustic properties and tactile experiences between the two switches. The Elf’s POK top, with its smooth and durable qualities, implies a different feel and character when bottoming out compared to the sharper and crisper feedback of the EverFree's polycarbonate. Users can experience a similarly deep sound profile from both switches due to the nylon bottom, but the unique contributions of the top housing materials ensure that the overall sound and feel differ in nuanced ways. As a result, enthusiasts can expect a rich blend of experience that caters to distinct preferences depending on switch selection, with the bottom housing providing a common auditory foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the EverFree Grayish switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, presenting a heavier feel that is suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which limits further comparison in that regard; however, users might expect the bottom out force to correlate with the actuation force. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing might lean towards the Huano Elf, while those who appreciate a heftier key press might opt for the Gateron EverFree.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, we see a slight difference that may influence user preference. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the EverFree switch offers a more responsive feel, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who favor quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Elf switch could provide a more substantial and satisfying feedback for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. In summary, if you lean towards quicker response times, the Gateron EverFree is the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Huano Elf would be more suitable for users who enjoy the hearty depth of a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch offers a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics significantly. This produces a richer auditory experience, contributing to a satisfying typing ambiance. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between moderation and versatility, making it suitable for various environments and user types. While both switches feature a quality sound output, the Elf leans towards a deeper resonance, whereas the EverFree provides a more even and balanced auditory experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Elf boasts a medium-light actuation force, which allows for a smoother typing experience, although specific details on its tactile feedback are not provided. Conversely, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is characterized as a stepped switch, meaning it has a two-stage feel, providing users with a distinct tactile response without overwhelming bumpiness. Additionally, the snappy nature of the EverFree switch creates a responsive typing experience, likely resulting from its longer or dual-staged springs. This combination offers a lively and engaging feel that's particularly appealing for typists who enjoy an interactive response from their keys.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences within the typing experience. The Huano Elf's deep sound signature combined with its medium-light feel presents a typing experience that centers around smoothness and resonance. Meanwhile, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a balanced sound and a distinctly tactile yet snappy feel, ideal for users who appreciate a little more feedback with each keystroke. Depending on your priorities—sound depth or tactile engagement—either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light feel with a deep sound signature and enhanced acoustics, the Huano Elf may be the ideal choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more streamlined and smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback, making it a great option for gamers and those who type quickly. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback alongside a neutral sound profile, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish is likely to serve you better. Its stepped and snappy characteristics provide a sensation of responsiveness, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you need a more dynamic feel while still being approachable for beginners. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environment where you’ll use the keyboard, as these factors will guide you towards the switch that better aligns with your needs.
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