Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver offer unique features catering to different preferences. The EverFree (EF) Grayish switch stands out as a tactile option, known for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and accessible price point. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is a linear switch, designed specifically for gaming with its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, providing lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive edge. While the EF Grayish switch offers a tactile typing experience, the G Pro Silver switch enhances gaming performance with its unique features. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the two switches may provide slightly different sound profiles due to variations in design and construction.
In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver also opts for nylon for its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it absorbs more sound and produces a rounder tonality. This choice in bottom housing material may contribute to a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a softer, more muted sound when typing on their keyboard.
While both switches share similarities in their choice of top housing material, the key differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The EverFree (EF) Grayish's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch will determine the overall sound and feel when typing, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the EF Grayish needs 59 grams. The bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Silver is also lighter at 50 grams, compared to the EF Grayish, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a smoother typing experience with less force required. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on user preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver being lighter and the EF Grayish potentially offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, which means that pressing down on a key on either switch will feel the same in terms of distance traveled. This allows for consistent typing or gaming experience regardless of which switch is used. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall feel. However, it is worth noting that the travel distance of 3.4 mm on both switches is shorter compared to some other switches on the market, making them potentially ideal for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster key response.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a thocky quality, creating a deep and rich auditory experience that can add to the excitement of gaming sessions. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, as the EverFree Grayish offers a more neutral sound while the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more immersive and impactful auditory feedback during use.
In terms of feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a stepped and snappy typing experience, providing tactile feedback in a more subtle manner compared to hyper-tactile switches. This can result in a more controlled and precise typing experience for users who prefer a gentler tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that allows for effortless and seamless typing. Whether you prefer a more stepped and responsive feel or a silky and effortless typing experience, both switches offer distinct tactile characteristics to meet different user preferences.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The EverFree Grayish switch provides a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy tactile feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound with a thocky quality, and a buttery, creamy typing sensation that enhances the gaming experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switches, you can choose between the two options to customize your typing and gaming experience according to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium weight and neutral sound signature at an approachable price point, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking a budget-friendly linear switch that offers lightning-fast responsiveness and an exhilarating auditory experience for gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences and intended use, whether it be for typing, gaming, or a combination of both. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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