Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and HMX Perky switches offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The EF Grayish, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and custom mold construction, making it an excellent option for users seeking a traditional typing experience with noticeable feedback. Its categorization as 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Snappy' provides a balanced feel, ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Perky stands out as a linear switch with its softer, glittery nylon housing, creating a smooth and satisfying touch without any tactile bump. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky is perfect for those who prefer quick typing with minimal resistance. Each switch has its merits, catering to varying personal preferences in terms of feedback, sound, and travel distance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Perky, we find significant differences in their top housings. The EverFree features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This sound clarity is particularly advantageous for users who desire a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the clear material accentuates the lighting effects. On the other hand, the HMX Perky's top housing is made of nylon, a classic choice that offers a softer touch. Nylon's inherently muted qualities lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a more subdued typing experience. Thus, while the EverFree delivers brightness and clarity, the Perky provides warmth and richness, catering to different user preferences.
Focusing on the bottom housings of both switches reveals that they share a common material: nylon. This similarity suggests that both the EverFree and Perky will elicit a relatively consistent sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to nylon's propensity to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sonic profile. This commonality can lead to a more cohesive typing experience, particularly during key presses where the bottom housing's characteristics play a crucial role. As a result, while the top haptic and auditory experiences may diverge significantly, the bottom housing's shared material ensures that both switches resonate with a fuller sound upon key bottoming out.
Ultimately, the overall performance and auditory feedback of the two switches differ due to their top housing materials; however, the nylon bottom housing in both the EverFree and Perky ensures that they remain somewhat aligned in terms of deeper, fuller sounds when pressed down. This duality of construction illustrates how the combination of different materials can provide varied experiences: the polycarbonate top promotes a bright and lively sound while the nylon bottom maintains a deeper acoustic quality. Users who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback may gravitate towards the polycarbonate top of the EverFree for a sharper response, while those seeking a warmer typing experience may prefer the nylon-based Perky for its softer sound characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present a distinct contrast in actuation force, with the EverFree requiring a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Perky's lighter 43 grams. This significant difference indicates that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch may find the Perky more comfortable for extended use, allowing for less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. However, the EverFree switch's heavier force may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the EverFree is unknown, the Perky has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which enhances its overall lighter feel during usage. Overall, those seeking a lighter, more comfortable option may gravitate towards the HMX Perky, while users looking for a more tactile and solid response may choose the Gateron EverFree switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys, providing a consistent experience whether using the EverFree or the Perky switch. With both switches sharing the same travel distance, users can enjoy comparable results in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness, regardless of the switch type chosen.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 offers a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force that results in a balanced auditory experience. This makes it versatile enough for different environments, whether at home or in an office setting, allowing both beginners and advanced users to enjoy its qualities without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Perky's sound profile remains unspecified, leaving its acoustic character unknown. It’s important to note that sound can be influenced by factors like the keyboard's design and the keycaps used, which means that users may need to experiment to find their desired acoustic outcome with the Perky switch.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish presents a stepped tactile experience, offering a clear sensation of actuation through its dual-stage feedback. This tactile transition gives users a sense of control and responsiveness, making typing both enjoyable and efficient. The snappy nature of these switches further enhances the typing dynamics, often attributed to the use of longer or dual-staged springs that contribute to a more lively response. On the other hand, the HMX Perky's feel characteristics are not elaborated upon, leaving potential users to appreciate the unspecified qualities of its softer, glittery nylon housing, which implies a different tactile response but lacks detailed context.
In summary, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a well-rounded auditory experience and a distinctly snappy and stepped tactile feedback, the HMX Perky's sound and feel qualities remain undefined. For newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the EverFree provides a reliable option with a balance of sound and tactile feedback, while the Perky offers the allure of a unique typing experience that could be equally gratifying, albeit with less information available. Experimenting with various boards and keycaps will ultimately influence how both switches perform in practice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re looking for a versatile and approachable option, the EverFree Grayish is an excellent choice due to its neutral sound profile, medium weight, and snappy feel, making it suitable for both novice and experienced typists alike, whether at home or in a professional setting. Its stepped tactile feedback provides a satisfying, responsive experience that balances both cushioned and pronounced keystrokes well. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and more condensed typing experience with shorter travel distances, the HMX Perky will serve you well. Its softer nylon housing results in a satisfying linear feel that is perfect for gamers or those who perform rapid typing, where smoothness is key. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you enjoy the tactile feedback and character of a tactile switch or the uninterrupted flow of a linear one.
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