Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, each catering to different typing preferences. The EverFree Grayish stands out as a versatile tactile choice, featuring a medium weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, complemented by a neutral sound signature that makes it suitable for both quiet office settings and lively gaming sessions. Its approachable price point adds to its appeal, making it a stellar default option for many users. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch offers a heavier, smooth keystroke that provides a satisfying typing experience, particularly for those who favor the linear feel and a pleasing travel distance. While both switches offer distinct advantages—tactility and versatility versus smoothness and weight—your ultimate choice will depend on your specific typing style and personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Gateron Glory Yellow switches exhibit significant differences in their top housing materials, which in turn influences their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The EverFree (EF) Grayish features a top housing made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a crisp, high-pitched sound profile. This choice of material contributes to a more resonant and clear audio experience, making the switch particularly suitable for RGB applications, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's top housing is made of nylon, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, thereby imparting a deeper, fuller acoustic quality. This inherent softness of nylon contrasts sharply with polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a noticeably different auditory feedback when typing on each switch.
Despite these differences in their top housings, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and Glory Yellow switches will deliver a fullness and depth in sound due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. When a user presses down on either switch, the impact of the bottom housing will be prominent, providing a dampened, rounded sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing allows for some comparability in the overall typing experience, as both switches will exhibit the same characteristic of deeper, fuller sound during key presses, even though their top housings diverge significantly in material.
The interplay between these contrasting top housing materials and identical bottom housings ultimately shapes the switching experience. The EverFree (EF) Grayish, with its polycarbonate top, enhances the clarity and brightness of key releases, while the Glory Yellow delivers a more subdued and rounded sound upon release due to its nylon top housing. Consequently, although they may provide a comparable experience during the actuation phase due to the nylon bottoms, the overall auditory experience between the two switches diverges significantly when considering the effects of the distinctive top housing materials. Thus, users may prefer one over the other based on their individual preferences for sound profiles and tactile responses.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we note that the EverFree has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the lighter 50 grams of the Glory Yellow. This means that the EverFree requires more effort to initiate a keystroke, which might appeal to those who prefer a substantial typing experience, potentially leading to greater tactile feedback. However, the bottom-out force for both switches remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw complete conclusions about the overall typing experience related to bottoming out. Nevertheless, with its lighter actuation force, the Glory Yellow could be more suitable for users who favor longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it may reduce finger fatigue over prolonged use. In contrast, the heavier EverFree switch might be better for those who enjoy a more deliberate key press.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the EverFree switch offers a slightly shallower press, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prefer quicker response times and a more responsive feel when typing. Conversely, the Glory Yellow’s longer travel distance may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback during use. While both switches can deliver satisfying experiences, the EverFree's shorter travel distance caters to users seeking efficiency, whereas the Glory Yellow may provide a more traditional feel.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balance in sound means that the switch isn't too loud or too quiet, appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch are not explicitly detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of auditory experience. However, it's essential to consider that the overall sound can still be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is characterized by a stepped tactile response, meaning users will experience a distinct bump at two stages during the keystroke. This design allows for a noticeable and satisfying feedback while typing, complemented by a snappy, responsive sensation often attributed to longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, details regarding the tactile feedback of the Gateron Glory Yellow are not provided, which makes it difficult to compare directly. However, the smooth stroke of the Glory Yellow suggests a linear feel, typically resulting in a different typing experience than the tactile response offered by the EverFree.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch presents itself as a reliable choice for those seeking a balanced and responsive tactile experience with its neutral sound and stepped, snappy feedback. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch, while noted for its smooth keystroke, leaves some uncertainty due to the lack of specific information on its sound and feel. Ultimately, while both switches may serve distinct preferences in tactile feedback and auditory profiles, their overall performance can vary significantly based on individual user experience and the specific keyboard setup utilized.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is an excellent choice. This switch is suitable for both beginners and experienced typists, making it ideal for those who split their time between work and gaming. Its stepped, snappy feel provides a satisfying tactile feedback that makes typing enjoyable without being overly distracting. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with an effortless travel distance that can enhance fast-paced gaming sessions or provide a noiseless typing environment, the Glory Yellow linear switch may be more to your liking. This switch allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance, making it a perfect fit for gamers seeking speed and fluidity. In summary, your choice should reflect the balance you seek between tactile feedback and key travel preference, ensuring you enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience to the fullest.
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