Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. The EF Grayish is praised for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a solid default tactile option. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are known for their quiet operation and "thocky" sound, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. While the EF Grayish may be more accessible in terms of price and overall typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a distinctive look and quieter typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, we see a clear difference in the top housing material used. The EverFree Grayish features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. While the EverFree Grayish's top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a different typing experience with its unique sound profile.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housing materials of these switches, we find a similarity in their use of nylon. Both the EverFree Grayish and the Silent Yellow Jade employ a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, it creates a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in the bottom housing material indicates that both switches aim to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The split qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allow for a balanced typing experience, with the impact of the bottom housing felt upon bottoming out keys and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing the keys.
Overall, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade differ in their top housing materials, they share a common ground in using nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree Grayish offers a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on preference for sound profile, RGB lighting compatibility, and overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade is the lighter option with an actuation force of 50 grams, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish is heavier at 59 grams. The bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while the bottom out force of the EverFree (EF) Grayish is unknown. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly lighter actuation and a more substantial bottoming out experience compared to the EverFree (EF) Grayish. Depending on personal preferences, some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier push of the EverFree (EF) Grayish for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The EverFree (EF) Grayish may provide a slightly more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly quicker key response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver a similar overall result, with the main difference being the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Silent Yellow Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of environments and users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet operation and satisfying "thocky" sound, providing a unique typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preferences and surroundings.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is characterized as having a stepped tactile feel, meaning it provides a more subtle tactile bump compared to other switches. Additionally, it is described as snappy, offering a responsive typing experience that can benefit those who prefer quicker key actuation. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is not available at this time.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that can cater to different user preferences. The Gateron switch provides a neutral sound profile and a snappy tactile feel, making it a versatile option for various typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu switch offers a quieter operation with a distinctive "thocky" sound, though details on its tactile feel are currently lacking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium weight, neutral sound signature, and an approachable price point, then the EverFree (EF) Grayish would be a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and budget.
Mentioned in this article
