Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Milk Tea 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 Outemu Milk Tea both offer unique qualities worth considering. The EF Grayish switch is a tactile option known for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch provides a different tactile feel, though not much is known about its specific characteristics. Each switch has its own appeal and potential benefits depending on individual preferences. 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
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound when typing on switches. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the EverFree (EF) Grayish stands out with its translucent design that is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright sound signature, delivering resonant clacks during typing sessions.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon material which produces a deep and full sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a rounder sound when typing. This classic switch housing material provides a unique typing experience that is preferred by many enthusiasts. With both switches incorporating nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile that offers a satisfying typing experience.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the placement of these materials can affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Milk Tea may have similar housing materials, the way these materials are used can result in slightly different typing experiences for users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and how these nuances in housing materials translate to the overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the EverFree Grayish's 59 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. The actuation force is crucial as it determines how much force is needed to register a keystroke, providing feedback to the user. On the other hand, the bottom out force indicates how much pressure is required to fully press the keycap down. While the Milk Tea may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, the EverFree Grayish could be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, with some users opting for a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10 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 switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Outemu Milk Tea switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing users with a tactile feedback that feels like it has two distinct stages. Additionally, it is noted to be snappy, offering a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unknown, so it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy tactile feel, making it a versatile option for users looking for a reliable tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks available information on its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison. Ultimately, depending on personal preferences and requirements, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, although the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch may have a more established reputation in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a neutral sound profile and an affordable price point, the EverFree (EF) Grayish may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique customization experience and are looking for a tactile switch with a distinct feel, the Outemu Milk Tea could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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