Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Penguin both stand out as excellent tactile options with their unique features. The EF Grayish switches from Gateron's EverFree sub-brand are praised for their medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price, making them a solid default choice for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches offer a silent tactile experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices, thanks to their rounded tactile bump and quiet operation. Both switches provide a satisfying feedback with each press, but the EF Grayish leans towards a snappier feel while the Penguin offers a more subtle and feathery 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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 Akko Penguin, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Penguin's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, offers a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Penguin feature nylon bottom housings. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with nylon. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. While sharing the same bottom housing material, the two switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile due to the common use of nylon in this component.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of typing. The bottom housing material significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, for users looking for a specific sound profile or typing feel, understanding the properties of the housing materials in both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Penguin can help in making an informed decision based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Penguin is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams, while the EverFree Grayish is heavier at 59 grams. The bottom out force of the Penguin is 60 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the bottom out force of the EverFree Grayish is unknown. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press all the way down. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Penguin for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the EverFree Grayish for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on individual typing style and preference for force feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it can be seen that the EverFree (EF) Grayish has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. While the difference of 0.1 mm may seem insignificant, it can have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akko Penguin for faster response times during gameplay. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the EverFree (EF) Grayish with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 that is suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch provides a muted sound experience, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches have a medium weight, ensuring a balanced typing experience without being too heavy or too light. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's workspace.
When it comes to the feel of typing on these switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish is described as having a stepped feel, with a mild tactile bump that offers a snappy and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized by a polished feel, providing smooth key travel with reduced friction. Additionally, the Penguin switch is noted for its feathery actuation, requiring minimal finger exertion, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance of the Penguin switch also ensures a comfortable typing experience in shared spaces.
Overall, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Penguin tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The EverFree (EF) Grayish switch excels in providing a balanced and responsive typing experience with its stepped feel, while the Akko Penguin switch stands out for its quiet and smooth key travel, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on whether the user prioritizes sound, feel, or a combination of both, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most typing scenarios, the EverFree Grayish could be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially for office environments, and prefer a switch with a rounded tactile bump and a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, then the Akko Penguin switch may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it is important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your final decision.
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