Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish, a tactile switch, is renowned 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a smooth typing experience enhanced by a light diffuser for vibrant RGB illumination. Each switch has its unique characteristics and appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone when compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housings provides a distinct typing experience. The EverFree (EF) Grayish's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more absorbing feel when typing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, emphasizing clarity and precision in typing. This highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
Overall, the contrast between the nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 showcases the range of sound profiles that can be achieved with different materials. While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the distinct characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate in the bottom housings offer users a choice between a deeper, fuller sound profile or a sharper, crisper tone. Ultimately, the housing materials play a critical role in shaping the typing experience and sound output of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the EverFree Grayish has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3 with an actuation force of 48 grams. However, the EverFree Grayish does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of the EverFree Grayish provides a bit more resistance for a tactile typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smoother linear typing feel with a lighter actuation force. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is safe to say that you can expect a similar travel experience in terms of distance. Both switches offer a consistent actuation point and smooth keystrokes, despite their different tactile feedback qualities. Ultimately, while the two switches may differ in their tactile feel, the travel distance remains the same for both, ensuring a comparable typing experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. When it comes to feel, the EF Grayish is described as stepped and snappy, offering a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Overall, the EF Grayish is a great option for those looking for a moderate tactile switch with a neutral sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for users who prefer a clacky sound and silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a moderate actuation force, neutral sound profile, and a budget-friendly price point, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force. Consider your typing style, preferences, and budget when choosing between these two excellent options.
Mentioned in this article
