Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The EF Grayish switch is praised for its tactile feedback, medium weight, and affordable price, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch stands out for its linear action, rapid response time, and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers looking to gain a competitive edge. While these general pointers can help steer your decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one suits your preferences and needs best.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both switches have a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbent nature of nylon. However, the EverFree (EF) Grayish's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound. This difference in materials affects the overall sound experience of typing on these switches, with the EverFree (EF) Grayish offering a more resonant sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing.
The aesthetic appeal of the housing materials also differs between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The EverFree (EF) Grayish's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual experience of using the switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of transparency, resulting in a more subdued appearance. This distinction in housing materials highlights the importance of both functionality and design in the selection of keyboard switches.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material on the overall typing experience is consistent between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The absorbent nature of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, while the top housing materials of these switches may differ in sound profile and aesthetic appeal, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force with only 30 grams compared to the 59 grams required by the EverFree Grayish. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires a heavier press to fully bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Speed Silver would be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the EverFree Grayish with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a similar feeling of key travel. The tactile feedback of the EF Grayish and the smooth linear action of the MX Speed Silver may provide different typing experiences despite the identical travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and standard key travel depth for users to enjoy.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as stepped and snappy, providing a tactile typing experience with two distinct stages of feedback and a responsive feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized as textured, potentially offering a unique frictional feedback when pressed. This textured sensation may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance during typing.
Considering the information provided, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a balanced sound signature and a tactile typing experience with two stages of feedback, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in providing a rapid linear action with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance based on their specific typing style and usage requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a medium-weight tactile switch with a neutral sound profile at an affordable price point, then the EverFree (EF) Grayish might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum speed and instant response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, then the MX Speed Silver could be the ideal choice with its linear action and low spring resistance. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what characteristics are most important to you in a keyboard switch, whether it be feel, sound, or performance.
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