Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish, a tactile switch, and the Gazzew LT, a linear switch. The EF Grayish switch from Gateron's Everfree line stands out for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a solid choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch is known for its captivating lilac hue and unique "linear thock" sound profile, offering a smooth and resonant typing experience with every keystroke. While both switches have their own advantages, such as the EF Grayish's tactile feedback and the LT's smooth glide, it's important to dive deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
While the EverFree (EF) Grayish uses a polycarbonate top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew LT opts for a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing that delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The use of polycarbonate in the EF Grayish provides a more clear and resonant sound, whereas the LT's blend offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both materials have their own unique qualities, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more translucent, perfect for RGB lighting effects, while the Gazzew blend offers a softer feel and sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the EF Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Gazzew LT also utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which is described as delivering a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing material. Both switches aim to enhance the user experience through the choice of materials used in their construction, with nylon offering a more absorbent and softer feel, while the Gazzew blend provides a rich and deep sound quality.
When considering how the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that the choice of material can significantly impact the user experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing material will affect the sound when the key is released. Both the EF Grayish and the Gazzew LT have carefully chosen their housing materials to optimize the sound profile and tactile feel of their switches, with polycarbonate and nylon offering a more traditional typing experience, and the Gazzew blend providing a unique, rich sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that the EverFree Grayish has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams, while the LT has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The EverFree Grayish does not disclose its bottom out force, but the LT is classified as medium-heavy in this aspect. This means that the EverFree Grayish may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the LT switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel, as it offers a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times. The EverFree (EF) Grayish switch would be the longer option by a slight margin, but both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound that resonates deeply with each key press. Depending on individual preference, the EF Grayish may be preferred for its neutral and balanced sound, while the LT appeals to those who enjoy a deeper and richer auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is known for its stepped and snappy tactile feedback, offering a tactile experience that feels mild yet responsive. In contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switch does not have specific descriptions available for its tactile feel. This could indicate that the LT linear switch may offer a smoother and more consistent keystroke experience without pronounced tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, if sound is a significant factor in your decision-making process, the Gazzew LT linear switch may be preferred for its deep, bassy thockiness. On the other hand, if tactile feel is more crucial for your typing experience, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish stands out with its stepped and snappy tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you get a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the Gazzew LT linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force and a tactile bump, the EF Grayish may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy, thocky sound with a deep and rich tone, along with a seamless glide while typing, the LT linear switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal typing preferences and the experience you want to have with your mechanical keyboard.
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