Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flame Red stand out as popular options with their unique characteristics. The EF Grayish is favored for its tactile feedback, medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a great default option for many users. On the other hand, the Flame Red is known for its stunning light diffuser design, perfect for those who have backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Red offers a smooth, weighty feel with a clacky sound profile. These differences highlight the contrasting features of the EF Grayish and Flame Red switches. 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
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flame Red, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. However, the EverFree Grayish's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the Flame Red's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing properties.
The difference in top housing material between the EverFree Grayish and the Flame Red also affects their aesthetic appeal. The EverFree Grayish's polycarbonate top housing allows for the translucency that is ideal for displaying RGB lighting, giving it a more visually striking appearance. On the other hand, the Flame Red's nylon top housing may lack the same visual appeal but offers a different typing experience with a deeper sound profile. While both switches may offer similar typing experiences with their nylon bottom housings, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The properties of the bottom housing contribute more to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice between the EverFree Grayish and the Flame Red ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon in your switch housing.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that the EverFree Grayish has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Flame Red's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red has a higher force of 54 grams, while the bottom out force of the EverFree Grayish is unknown. This means that the Flame Red switch provides a lighter initial press but requires a heavier force to bottom out, offering a balance between lighter actuation and more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the EverFree Grayish switch seems to have a consistently higher force throughout the keystroke process. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing or a heavier force for a more substantial feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the TTC Flame Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flame Red linear switch offers a slightly longer keystroke experience compared to the EverFree Grayish switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the EverFree Grayish switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel may lean towards the Flame Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance is preferred for typing or gaming needs.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flame Red switches offer a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch provides a stepped and snappy tactile experience. The stepped characteristic means that it feels like the keystroke has two stages, offering a more mild tactile sensation compared to hyper-tactile switches. Additionally, the snappy attribute indicates that the switch is super responsive, making the typing experience more lively. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished linear feel. This means that it provides a gentle typing experience with approachable sound and feel, falling into a safe middle-ground zone. The polished feature ensures a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch excels in providing a stepped and snappy tactile feel, the TTC Flame Red switch stands out for its mild and polished linear sensation. Whether you prioritize a more tactile typing experience or seek a smooth linear feel, both switches offer excellent options for users looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Depending on personal preference, you can expect similar overall results in terms of sound and feel with these high-quality switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium weight and neutral sound profile at an approachable price point, the EF Grayish may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a visually appealing switch with a weighty smoothness, clacky sound profile, and compatibility with backlit RGB keyboards, the Flame Red could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences, budget, and aesthetic preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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