Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the nuances of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Huano Grape Orange switches present two distinct yet compelling options for different typing preferences. The EverFree EF Grayish switch, known for its medium weight and tactile feedback, offers a snappy response that caters to users seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Its neutral sound profile makes it an appealing choice for both office environments and home setups, while its approachable price point ensures accessibility. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch shines with its linear design and ultra-light 40g actuation force, providing an effortless typing experience that is particularly well-suited for extended sessions without fatigue. While the EverFree caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback, the Grape Orange is ideal for users who prefer smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Huano Grape Orange switches, both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The material's inherent stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This parallel in material choice creates an advantageous scenario for gamers or typists who enjoy a pronounced and vibrant sound when they engage their keyboards. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enabling an aesthetically pleasing visual experience during use.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, and this distinct material choice introduces a contrasting sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs sound and results in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. By softening the sounds generated during keystrokes, the nylon bottom housing complements the polycarbonate top housing by balancing the sharpness with warmth. This synergy enhances overall keyboard performance, delivering a nuanced auditory experience as the bottom housing impacts the sound quality when keys are bottomed out, while the top housing significantly influences the sound upon release.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch comes together to create a harmonized typing experience. While the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Huano Grape Orange share similarities in their top housing, their nylon bottom houses contribute differing qualities that affect the overall sound profile. By combining a sharper top sound with a fuller bottom sound, users can achieve an articulate and satisfying experience regardless of the switch choice, showcasing how thoughtful material selection can significantly influence tactile and auditory outcomes in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we notice some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EverFree has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, while the Grape Orange is notably lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams. This difference means that the Grayish switch requires significantly more effort to actuate, making it preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Grape Orange offers a measurable value of 50 grams, indicating that it has a defined resistance when pressed all the way down, while the bottom out force for the EverFree is unknown, leaving it uncertain in this regard. Therefore, users looking for a lighter touch would likely favor the Grape Orange switch, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the EverFree. Overall, the Grape Orange provides a lighter, more forgiving typing experience compared to the heftier EverFree, which could lead to more fatigue over extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which makes it shorter compared to the Huano Grape Orange linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference in distance can influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Generally, the shorter travel distance of the EverFree switch may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Grape Orange's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a deeper feel that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches may serve users' needs, the EverFree caters more to those seeking fast responses, while the Grape Orange provides a more pronounced key press.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 characterized by a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate level of noise during typing that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This neutral signature allows for a versatile typing experience without being overly distracting or loud. Conversely, the sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange is unspecified, which leaves its auditory characteristics unknown. Therefore, while the EverFree offers a clear expectation regarding sound, the Grape Orange's acoustic qualities remain a mystery.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish provides a distinctive tactile experience, being described as a stepped switch that delivers a mild bump within its keystroke. This design allows typists to feel some pre-travel and post-travel, which can enhance typing precision, while the snappy quality ensures responsive feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the tactile feedback of the Grape Orange is not clearly defined in the information available, leaving its feel unclarified. The EverFree thus stands out with its defined tactile characteristics, while the Grape Orange's feel remains undetermined.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a well-rounded typing experience characterized by a neutral sound and a distinctly stepped, snappy tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned users. The Huano Grape Orange switch, while lighter and seemingly designed for ease of use, lacks detailed information about its sound and feel, which makes it difficult to draw definitive comparisons. Ultimately, though both switches cater to different preferences, the EverFree is a safer bet for those seeking clarity in both sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that offers a versatile and balanced typing experience, the EverFree Grayish would be ideal, especially for both newcomers and seasoned users. Its medium weight, neutral sound profile, and stepped tactile feedback make it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. This switch's snappy responsiveness will keep your typing lively without being overly straining on the fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter and smoother typing experience, particularly for long durations, the Grape Orange is the way to go. Its ultra-low 40g actuation force enables effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for those who type for extended periods without fatigue. In summary, choose the EverFree Grayish for an engaging tactile feel and versatility, while the Grape Orange should be your pick for a comfortable, linear experience that emphasizes speed and ease.
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