Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is a tactile option that boasts a medium weight, neutral sound signature, and an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is a linear switch that offers a smooth, pre-lubed sensation and stable keypresses thanks to its dual rail mechanism. While the EF Grayish switch is known for its tactile feedback, the Lunar Probe switch excels in providing a consistent and smooth linear keypress experience. If you are looking for a tactile switch that is both snappy and neutral, the EF Grayish may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth feel and reliable keypresses, the Lunar Probe could be the better choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron Lunar Probe lies in their bottom housings. The EverFree (EF) Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe also has a nylon bottom housing, meaning that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the EF Grayish has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Lunar Probe also has a polycarbonate top housing. This means that the difference in sound characteristics between the two switches will mainly come from the top housing material.
Aesthetically, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Gateron Lunar Probe feature translucent polycarbonate top housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting setups. This allows for beautiful lighting effects to shine through the clear housing of the switches, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slight variation in typing sound and feel between the two switches. Overall, users can expect a visually appealing and customizable experience with both switches, thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of sound and feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a mix of sharp, crisp keystrokes from the top and deeper, fuller bottom-out sound from the bottom. Similarly, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a comparable typing experience with its own combination of housing materials. The split between top and bottom housing qualities allows users to feel and hear the impact of each material when typing on the switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique and customizable typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it is clear that the Lunar Probe is the lighter of the two, with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the EverFree's 59 grams. The bottom out force of the Lunar Probe is also lighter at 50 grams, while the EverFree's bottom out force is unknown. The EverFree switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's lighter actuation and bottom out force may be more suitable for individuals looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Lunar Probe has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EverFree Grayish. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are increasingly popular, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the EverFree Grayish, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Lunar Probe. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their 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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches may produce a similar sound when paired with the same keyboard and keycap combination.
Moving on to feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is described as having a stepped and snappy feel, providing users with a two-stage tactile sensation that feels responsive and dynamic during typing. On the contrary, the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is not detailed, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard. It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining which tactile or linear switch feels better to an individual user.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch excels in providing a moderate actuation force and a neutral sound signature, along with a stepped and snappy tactile feel that can cater to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch emphasizes a novel dual rail mechanism for stability and consistency, along with an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, albeit with unknown sound and feel characteristics detailed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium weight tactile switch with a neutral sound signature and an approachable price point, the EF Grayish is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with incredibly smooth keypresses and a subtle sound signature, the Lunar Probe is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
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