Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Dareu Holly mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the tactile switch category, some key differences and similarities emerge. The EF Grayish is praised for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a popular choice for those seeking a default tactile option. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users looking for a more distinctive typing experience. While both switches offer tactile feedback, they differ in their sound profiles and actuation forces. 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Dareu Holly feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, making it a popular choice for those looking to add some flair to their keyboard setup. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal from both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same deeper and fuller sound profile as the EverFree (EF) Grayish. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Dareu Holly share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing material, they also both feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Whether you choose the EverFree (EF) Grayish or the Dareu Holly, you can expect a premium typing experience with a focus on sound quality and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of design and brand reputation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The EverFree Grayish has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams, making the latter a lighter option. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, which means that they may offer similar results in terms of the force required for bottoming out. It's worth noting that some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Holly for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the EverFree Grayish for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Holly switch has a longer travel distance compared to the EverFree Grayish switch. The shorter travel distance of the EverFree Grayish may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Holly switch may provide a more satisfying and substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of desired keypress 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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 that is suitable for various preferences and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, adding a distinct and lively auditory experience to typing sessions. Both switches cater to different sound preferences, with the Grayish being more versatile and the Holly offering a more specialized acoustic profile.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is characterized by its stepped and snappy tactile feedback, providing a nuanced typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. In contrast, information regarding the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not available. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and responsive feedback, the Grayish may be the better option.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Dareu Holly tactile switches each bring distinct sound and feel characteristics to the table. The Grayish offers a neutral sound signature with a stepped and snappy tactile feel, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Holly switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound profile, but information on its tactile feel is unavailable. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a tailored typing experience to meet your needs. Remember that the overall typing experience will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a default tactile option with a medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, the EF Grayish switches would be a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique sound profile combining chirpy and clacky elements for a distinctive typing experience, the Holly switches might be more appealing to you. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on what suits you best.
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