Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Cherry MX Purple RGB both present enticing options for users seeking a tactile experience. The EverFree (EF) Grayish stands out for its custom mold design, delivering a balanced tactile feel characterized by a medium weight and a neutral sound profile. This switch is a fantastic choice for those seeking an approachable price point without compromising on quality; it’s especially ideal for users who appreciate a dependable default option. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, developed in partnership with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, provide a more refined tactile feedback with a distinct medium-strength bump, appealing to users who enjoy a bit more responsiveness in their keystrokes. Both switches cater to users looking for tactile feedback, but the EverFree emphasizes affordability and neutrality, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB focuses on a more pronounced tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, a notable distinction emerges in their top housing materials. The EF Grayish features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a clearer resonance when a key is released, making it ideal for users who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users seeking an enhanced sharpness in sound might lean towards the EverFree switch, while those who prefer a warmer audio characteristic may appreciate the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
While the top housing materials diverge, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, both made from nylon. This similarity in material means that typing on either switch will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the properties of nylon. The bottom housing's significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel creates a unified characteristic between the two switches. Therefore, even though the EverFree (EF) Grayish has a sharper, brighter top-end from its polycarbonate structure, the overall typing experience remains similar in terms of sound depth due to the nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles created by the varying top housing materials balance out when considering the influences of the nylon bottoms. The difference in auditory feedback upon actuation and release showcases how the qualities of the housing materials interact. The stiffness of the polycarbonate top of the EF Grayish elevates the key release sound, while the nylon bottom of both switches ensures a consistent, rounded sound at the bottom-out stage. Users might find that they achieve satisfying results with either switch, although their preference for sound characteristics will likely guide their final decision.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that may influence users' preferences. The EverFree Grayish requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, while the MX Purple RGB has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the EverFree may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel when pressing keys. However, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, which means that we cannot make a direct comparison for that specific metric. Nevertheless, users looking for a lighter switch experience would find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier push feel may gravitate towards the Gateron EverFree.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The EverFree (EF) Grayish has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This variance means that if you're seeking faster response times typical for gaming, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish may suit your preferences better due to its shorter travel. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke with a hearty depth, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be the ideal choice for a more robust typing experience. Thus, your selection can greatly influence how you perceive the tactile feedback and responsiveness of the switches.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch to the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, the EF Grayish is characterized by its neutral sound profile. This means that the switch produces a moderate sound level during operation, making it versatile for both home and office environments. The neutrality of the sound ensures that it remains unobtrusive, appealing to both novice and experienced users alike. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the MX Purple RGB aren’t specified, but it's worth noting that the sound output can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which means that if tuned correctly, it could possibly approximate the EF Grayish in terms of a balanced audio experience.
When it comes to tactile feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish shines with its stepped tactile feedback and snappy responsiveness. This design allows for a pronounced yet controlled bump during keypresses, where users experience a distinct transition between pre-travel and post-travel. The snappy aspect of the feel enhances the typing experience, providing a lively feedback loop that many typists appreciate. The tactile qualities of the MX Purple RGB switch are not explicitly mentioned, leaving an unknown factor in its comparison. If it shares similar design intentions, however, it might deliver a satisfactory tactile experience as well.
In conclusion, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish clearly presents a well-rounded option with its neutral sound and engaging feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's specifications are less concrete in this comparison. The EF Grayish stands out as a dependable choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a refined audio profile and responsive feedback. Ultimately, if both switches fulfill similar criteria in sound and feel, users can expect to find satisfaction in either option depending on their preferences for tactile feedback and sound experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a switch that offers a neutral sound signature and a balanced tactile feedback, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is an excellent choice. Its stepped feel provides a more subtle tactile response, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced typists, whether you’re using it for daily work or gaming at home. Moreover, its approachable price point makes it a budget-friendly option for those just venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you are an enthusiast seeking a more refined tactile experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be better suited to your tastes. This switch is developed for those who appreciate a short yet pronounced bump, enhancing your engagement with each keystroke while also allowing for customizable RGB lighting to enhance your setup aesthetically. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a neutral, versatile feel or a more distinct tactile feedback experience.
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