Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Macchiato present two distinct yet appealing options for different preferences. The EverFree Grayish is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, featuring a medium weight and a neutral sound profile that makes it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. Its approachable price point adds to its allure, making it a stellar default option for those venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato is a linear switch designed for enthusiasts who prioritize a silky smooth typing experience; its bright sound profile enhances the sensory feedback of each keystroke, making it an enticing choice for users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing journey. While the EverFree Grayish offers a tactile response that can enhance both typing accuracy and satisfaction, the Macchiato caters to those who enjoy a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Macchiato, a notable contrast emerges in their top housings. The EF Grayish features polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate crisp feedback while typing. This material's translucence enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Macchiato employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a warmer typing experience that many users find comforting.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a point of similarity between them. In this aspect, the nylon brings consistent qualities across both switches, generating a deeper and rounder sound profile that is soft and satisfying. This common ground highlights the importance of the bottom housing in determining the overall feel and sound when bottoming out. Neither switch compromises on this front, ensuring that their users enjoy a full-bodied auditory experience. The nylon's sound absorption properties ensure that both the EF Grayish and Macchiato deliver a pleasant and rounded feedback that is cherished by typists.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches will lead to distinct auditory experiences while the bottom housings maintain a level of consistency in sound and feel. The sharper, crisper tones of the polycarbonate top of the EverFree contrast with the softer, more muted characteristics of the Macchiato's nylon top. Consequently, when pressed, the tactile feedback of each switch is determined primarily by its bottom housing, while the release sound and feel are shaped by their unique top housings. This contrast in design allows both switches to appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, providing options for those who favor either a sharp or a warmer tonal quality.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch reveals notable differences in actuation forces, with the EverFree requiring a stronger push. The EF Grayish has an actuation force of 59 grams, making it on the heavier side, while the Macchiato's actuation force is lighter at 42 grams. This difference suggests that users who favor a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions will likely prefer the Macchiato switch. Regarding bottom out force, the Macchiato has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a tactile experience when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the EverFree is unknown, but since it is the heavier switch based on actuation alone, it can be inferred that it may also feature a comparable or greater bottom out force than the Macchiato. Consequently, for users seeking a substantial typing experience, the EverFree may be appealing, while those preferring ease of use may opt for the lighter Macchiato switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, we find that the EverFree has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Macchiato features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the EverFree provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick responses, as shorter distances allow for faster key actuation. In contrast, the Macchiato’s 4 mm travel distance aligns with traditional preferences, offering a more pronounced depth that some users might find more satisfying, especially for typing. If users prefer a balance between responsiveness and depth, the EverFree would be the better choice for quicker performance, whereas the Macchiato would cater to those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing.
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 HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 is characterized by its neutral sound profile, which offers a moderate auditory experience. This balanced sound allows the switch to be versatile, making it suitable for both home and office environments. Whether you’re a typing novice or an experienced user, this neutral tone minimizes distractions while typing. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the HMX Macchiato switch remain unspecified, so comparisons in this area cannot be made. However, it is essential to consider that sound characteristics can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used with either switch.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a stepped tactile sensation, providing a distinct but mild feedback as the key is pressed. This unique step gives the user an enjoyable experience during typing, with some pre-travel and post-travel feeling, aligning well with a responsive typing style. Its snappy nature, attributed to its design suggesting longer or dual-staged springs, enhances the overall dynamism of each keystroke. In contrast, the tactile feel of the HMX Macchiato switch is currently unknown, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this regard. Each switch's feel is essential, as personal preference will greatly influence user satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch presents a solid option for those seeking a medium-weight tactile experience that balances sound and feel effectively, making it suitable for various typing contexts. The lack of detailed information on the HMX Macchiato switch’s sound and feel limits our ability to thoroughly compare both switches. However, if you’re seeking neutrality combined with a satisfactory tactile experience, the EverFree (EF) Grayish might be the superior choice, while the appeal of the Macchiato may still remain a mystery worth exploring.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you are looking for a balanced option that suits a wide range of typing styles, the EF Grayish might be your ideal choice, offering a medium weight, snappy responsiveness, and a neutral sound signature, making it versatile for both work and casual use. Its stepped tactile feel provides feedback without being overwhelming, which is particularly beneficial if you are still acclimating to mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with distinct auditory feedback, the HMX Macchiato could be more aligned with your preferences. The Macchiato's light bottom-out force and silky feel are perfect for fast-paced typists or gamers who thrive on speed and fluidity. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value a tactile response or a linear progression; each switch brings unique characteristics to your keyboard experience that cater to different needs and styles.
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