Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, selecting between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX FJ400 can significantly impact your typing experience. The EF Grayish stands out as an exemplary tactile switch, designed using custom molds to deliver a balanced mix of feel and sound. With its medium weight and neutral sound profile, it appeals to users who enjoy distinct feedback without overwhelming noise, making it an ideal choice for both casual and professional environments. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 represents a linear switch that offers effortless keypresses and smooth keystrokes, ideal for gamers and typists seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Its balanced sound profile further enhances its versatility. While the EF Grayish provides a tactile feel that some users prefer for typing accuracy, the FJ400's linear design invites rapid key actuation and less fatigue during extended use. Therefore, both switches cater to different preferences and use cases; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX FJ400 switches reveal distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences due to the differences in their top housing constructions. The EverFree features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clear and resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the FJ400 employs a POM top housing that creates a different auditory experience—producing a deeper, more muted sound. While both switches may deliver satisfying keystrokes, the material choices clearly define their sound characteristics, highlighting the importance of top housing materials in the overall acoustic experience.
Both switch models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which establishes a common ground in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material, appreciated for its ability to absorb sound effectively. With nylon, both the EverFree and FJ400 produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This consistency suggests that when depression occurs, the bottom housing’s qualities dominate, contributing to the pronounced, round sound output common to both switches. Regardless of their differing top housing materials, both switches benefit from the muted, enriching performance imparted by nylon, ultimately resulting in a satisfying experience during extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and HMX FJ400 showcase divergent top housing materials that influence their auditory signatures significantly, they converge on the bottom housing material of nylon, which creates similarities in sound characteristics. The polycarbonate and POM differences highlight how the top housing affects the sound produced during key release, while the nylon bottom cut across both models ensures a substantial, full-bodied typing noise upon pressing down. Ultimately, enthusiasts of mechanical switches will find that each model offers a unique tactile and auditory experience, shaped by the interplay of these materials, but with enough consistency in the bottom design to attract users who appreciate a robust sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch present a contrast in their actuation forces, with the EverFree requiring 59 grams to actuate compared to the lighter 50 grams of the FJ400. This indicates that the EverFree might be better suited for those who prefer a more robust typing experience, while the FJ400 would be advantageous for users looking for a lighter touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force for the EverFree is unknown, whereas the FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, a medium level. This available information suggests that the FJ400 offers a consistent feedback by bottoming out at a defined weight, which can aid typists in gauging their keystrokes. Thus, if you're looking for a heavier switch with a tactile feel, the EverFree is the better option; conversely, if you prefer a lighter switch with known resistance while bottoming out, the FJ400 stands out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the two demonstrate a clear difference. The EverFree (EF) switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the FJ400 switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This distinction can significantly affect the typing experience; gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the EF Grayish for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced feel in their keystrokes may appreciate the extra depth provided by the FJ400. Consequently, selecting between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is noted for its neutral sound profile. This balanced auditory characteristic means that the switch produces a moderate noise level, making it versatile and suitable for a range of environments, be it casual or professional settings. It sits comfortably in the middle ground, providing a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud or intrusive. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 is also characterized as having a balanced sound profile, which suggests that it too shares the capacity to fit into various settings without causing disruption. Thus, both switches will likely yield a similar auditory experience, depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a stepped tactile experience, characterized by a noticeable but mild tactile bump that provides feedback during typing, creating an engaging sensation. These switches are described as snappy, enhancing the responsiveness of each keystroke. This combination ensures that typists can experience a distinct tactile feedback that maintains a lively typing experience. Unfortunately, the HMX FJ400 lacks specific descriptors regarding its tactile feedback. This absence of detail doesn't allow for a precise comparison of the tactile qualities; however, if the FJ400 shares the balanced nature of the other HMX Film switches, it may still provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit without the finer nuances of a stepped feel.
In summary, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX FJ400 switches cater to users seeking a balanced auditory profile, making them user-friendly choices for various typing environments. While the EverFree provides a distinct stepped and snappy tactile experience that many typists appreciate, the tactile sensations of the FJ400 remain unspecified. For newcomers deciding between these options, the EverFree’s clearly defined tactile characteristics may offer a more engaging typing experience, while the FJ400 could also serve as a reliable alternative depending on its tactile performance upon further exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you are someone who appreciates a tactile response without the sensation being overly pronounced, the EF Grayish could be your ideal pick. Its neutral sound signature and stepped, snappy feel make it a versatile option, perfect for both work and play, especially if you're new to mechanical keyboards or looking for an affordable switch that delivers a satisfying experience across various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward keystroke without tactile feedback, the FJ400, with its medium force requirement, provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing, or if you're in an environment where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your personal typing style and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, ensuring you make the most out of your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
