Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Kailh BCP stand out as two distinct options catering to different user preferences. The EverFree (EF) Grayish, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its balanced characteristics, featuring a medium weight and a neutral sound profile that make it an excellent entry point for those seeking tactile feedback without the added noise. With its reasonable price and categorization as 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Snappy', it is perfect for both casual typists and gamers alike who appreciate a smooth experience. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP presents a linear switch option with a unique twist, reimagining the beloved Black Cherry Pies with a creamy, viscous feel that enhances bounciness and offers a poppy sound signature—ideal for users who prefer a quieter, smoother keystroke with minimal resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing and gaming needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Kailh BCP switches, it becomes evident that the compositions of the top housings significantly influence the acoustic properties of each switch. The EverFree (EF) Grayish features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and optical translucency. Such properties contribute to a sharper and more crisp sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer nature. This results in a deeper and more subdued sound profile, reflecting a more rounded auditory character. Thus, while the EverFree's top housing accentuates higher frequencies, the BCP's top housing absorbs sound, leading to a marked contrast in their respective acoustic signatures.
In terms of bottom housings, both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and Kailh BCP utilize nylon materials, which adds a layer of similarity in their design. This shared material choice means that both switches will exhibit a deeper, fuller sound profile when pressed down, as nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound than a harder material would. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similarity in their bottom housings implies that the bottom-out sound and feel when engaging either switch will reflect comparable characteristics driven by nylon's inherent qualities. This convergence in material choice ensures that both switches offer a satisfying tactile down-stroke, though the overall experience will still be affected by the contrasting top housings.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials leads to distinct yet complementary auditory experiences when using the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Kailh BCP switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree sharpens the sound profile during key releases, making it ideal for vibrant RGB setups, while the nylon top of the BCP promotes a mellower key response. However, the use of nylon for both bottom housings ensures that both types of switches provide rich, deep sounds on bottoming out. Consequently, users can expect differing textures and experiences while typing, influenced heavily by the unique combinations of material properties in both switches, ultimately allowing for tailored preferences based on sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch differ in their actuation forces and have unknown bottom out forces. The EF Grayish requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Kailh BCP's lighter 52 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use or gaming sessions may find the BCP more comfortable. However, the BCP has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down, which provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the EF Grayish is unknown, making it difficult to conclude whether it offers a similar resistance at full key travel. Therefore, the Kailh BCP is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while it offers a heavier bottom out experience, whereas the EF pivot remains ambiguous in terms of bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the data reveals that the EverFree switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the BCP switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the EverFree the shorter option, appealing to those who seek faster response times, such as gamers who benefit from the quicker actuation. On the other hand, the BCP’s 3.5 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a little more depth in their keystrokes. Thus, individuals prioritizing responsiveness might gravitate towards the EverFree, whereas those who appreciate a hearty typing experience may opt for the Kailh BCP switch.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 presents a neutral sound profile. This balance makes it versatile for a wide range of environments, from homes to offices, accommodating both beginners and advanced users alike without being overly intrusive. While specific details about the sound profile of the Kailh BCP linear switch are not provided, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced significantly by the keyboard it is paired with and the type of keycaps used. As such, without explicit details for the BCP, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard, but users can expect a distinctly different auditory experience focusing on smoothness typical of linear switches.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is characterized by its stepped tactile feedback, offering a two-stage keystroke experience that provides mild, but noticeable, tactile bumps. This switch also boasts a snappy responsiveness, which leads to a lively typing experience, enhanced by its dual-stage springs. The Kailh BCP, on the other hand, is celebrated for its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics, creating a plush and enjoyable typing experience. While the EF Grayish feels more textured and responsive, the BCP edges towards a smoother and more fluid interaction, making it a preference for those who enjoy linear switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Kailh BCP switches cater to different sensibilities, with the former focusing on tactile feedback and a versatile sound signature, while the latter emphasizes a silky linear feel. Both have their unique advantages and cater to personal preferences, making it essential for users to consider what qualities they value most in a switch. Whether one prefers a tactile experience or a smooth linear feel, both options promise to deliver satisfactory typing experiences suitable for different scenarios and users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as your intended usage scenarios. If you lean towards a well-rounded typing experience, the EF Grayish is an excellent choice, boasting a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy tactile feel that caters to both beginners and advanced users alike. This makes it ideal for versatile environments, whether it's at home or in an office setting where a moderate noise level is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic and immersive typing experience with a satisfying, poppy sound, the Kailh BCP switch would be more suitable for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and creamy, bouncy texture offer a distinct feel that many users enjoy, particularly for gaming or high-energy typing sessions where responsiveness is key. Therefore, match your choice to your specific needs—go for the EF Grayish for a balanced and adaptable option, or the BCP for a vibrant, tactile thrill.
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