Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves at a crossroads between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct advantages tailored to individual preferences. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches are a prime example of a tactile switch, celebrated for their medium weight and neutral sound profile, making them an excellent choice for typists seeking a reliable and responsive feel without a jarring auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches from XY Studio stand out as a linear switch, renowned for their exceptionally smooth operation thanks to meticulous refinements in custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. This smoothness caters to gamers and fast typists who prefer an uninterrupted keypress experience. While the EverFree Grayish appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback for enhanced typing precision, the Jade Rosales caters to those favoring velocity and fluidity. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Bsun Jade Rosales switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature. This quality is attributable to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which encourages clarity and resonance when a key is released. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows the light to illuminate the switch effectively. As such, users can expect similar auditory experiences when considering the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jade Rosales due to the identical use of polycarbonate in their respective top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly. The EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a nylon bottom housing known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted bottom-out experience. This contrasts with the Bsun Jade Rosales, which employs a proprietary "Custom Milky Material" for its bottom housing. While the specifics of this material's sound characteristics are not detailed, it implies a unique sonic quality that could either enhance or detract from the overall sound profile compared to the nylon of the EverFree. Consequently, the different materials used in the bottom housings create varied auditory experiences depending on the switch pressed.
When comparing these two switches holistically, the interaction between their differently composed bottom housings and their shared polycarbonate top housings illustrates how housing materials affect performance. With both utilizing polycarbonate on top, users will enjoy similar brightness and clarity when releasing the keys, while the nuances offered by the bottom housing will define the overall acoustic character during key presses. Therefore, even with differing bottom materials, they can still deliver distinct yet complementary auditory experiences, depending on a user's preference for either the fuller tone of nylon or the unknown characteristics of the custom material in the Jade Rosales. This interplay is crucial as it allows enthusiasts to discern their preferred typing sound and tactile feedback based on the various housing combinations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, notable differences emerge. The EverFree (EF) Grayish has a significantly higher actuation force of 59 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Jade Rosales, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This discrepancy means that typists or gamers seeking a lighter key feel and easier keystrokes would likely prefer the Jade Rosales for its more comfortable and less fatiguing performance during extended use. As for the bottom out force, the EverFree's value remains unknown, while the Jade Rosales has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This suggests that, although the Jade Rosales is lighter at the actuation stage, it has a more defined bottoming out feel, providing a clear tactile response. Therefore, for those who enjoy a softer actuation and a substantial bottom out experience, the Jade Rosales might be the better choice, while the EverFree appeals to those who prefer a heavier key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, the former features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the latter offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the EverFree (EF) switch has the shorter travel distance, making it suitable for those who favor a more responsive feel, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker keypress responses. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial depth for users who prefer a more deliberate keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a hearty depth in key feedback.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that is neither overly loud nor too soft. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for various settings, whether it's a busy office environment or a quiet home setup. The sound produced is pleasant and unobtrusive, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. In contrast, there is no specific sound description available for the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, leaving it unclear how it may compare in acoustics.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is noted for its stepped tactile feedback, giving a distinctly two-stage feel as you type: there’s a noticeable point of tactility but not an overwhelming bump. Additionally, its snappy nature, attributed to responsive long or dual-staged springs, enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, there is no information regarding the feel of the Bsun Jade Rosales switch, so it remains to be seen how it may differ in tactile response and feedback.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is a well-rounded option, excelling in providing a neutral sound profile and a satisfying, textured tactile experience that can suit a wide range of users and settings. The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, while lacking specific details in sound and feel, promises an exceptionally smooth typing experience due to its meticulous refinement. Ultimately, if you're seeking a versatile tactile switch that delivers on both sound and feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is a compelling choice. If you prefer the characteristics of linear switches, exploring the Jade Rosales could offer a unique experience, though its exact qualities remain unknown.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're a newcomer seeking a versatile switch that offers a balanced feel and sound, the EF Grayish is an excellent choice. Its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and stepped, snappy tactile feedback are well-suited for both casual and professional environments, making it ideal if you plan to use your keyboard for different tasks, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and consistent keystroke and prefer a more straightforward, linear feel in your typing experience, the Jade Rosales switch would be the way to go. Its medium-light bottom-out force and refined craftsmanship deliver an enjoyable typing experience that minimizes fatigue over extended use. Therefore, base your decision on whether you want tactile feedback with a bit of complexity or a smooth linear action that lets you glide across your key presses.
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