Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be as diverse as the users themselves. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a tactile experience with its medium weight and neutral sound signature, making it an accessible choice for those who appreciate a responsive feel without the distraction of noise. Positioned as a stellar default tactile option, it strikes a balance between feel and affordability. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch introduces a unique hall effect mechanism that promises a smooth operation paired with a richly satisfying sound. This switch not only enhances typing precision but also boasts compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize performance and versatility. While each switch has its strengths—be it the EverFree's approachable tactility or the Rice Pudding's premium audio experience—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This common material not only enhances sound clarity but also makes the switches aesthetically pleasing, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective backlighting, meaning users can appreciate both the visual and auditory aspects of their switches equally. Thus, despite being different brands, the shared material in the top housings leads to a relatively uniform sound output.
On the contrary, when it comes to their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which lends a contrasting depth to their audio profiles. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and more rounded tonal quality. This results in a more muted bottom-out sound that complements the crisper sound produced by the top housing. Therefore, while they share the same top housing material, the nylon bottom houses distinguish the overall typing experience by enhancing body and warmth, especially noticeable during the bottoming action of the switch.
In summary, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Everglide Rice Pudding switches have different branding, their materials elicit remarkably similar sound profiles in the top housing due to the shared use of polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing found in both switches serves to further refine the auditory experience, yielding a deeper sound, which balances nicely with the crispness of the polycarbonate's resonance. Overall, typists could expect comparable performance from these switches, driven by the integration of similar material properties, creating a harmonious blend of sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch with the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The EF Grayish has an actuation force of 59 grams, making it significantly heavier than the Rice Pudding switch, which boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that typists may find the EF Grayish to be more demanding, potentially benefiting those who prefer a heavier, more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding, with its lighter actuation force, is likely to provide a more comfortable typing experience for extended sessions, particularly suitable for work or gaming. While the bottom out force for the EF Grayish is not available, the Rice Pudding does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, which reinforces its lighter tactile feel overall. Thus, the Gateron EverFree would cater to users desiring a heavier key press, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding is ideal for those favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The EverFree (EF) Grayish has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that while the difference is minimal, the Rice Pudding switch will provide a more pronounced travel experience, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the EverFree (EF) Grayish may offer a faster response time, making it more suitable for gamers or those who favor quicker actuation. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that provides a more tactile experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the preferable choice, whereas the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish is ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate volume during operation that makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This neutral sound signature ensures that it won't be overly disruptive, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch features a deep sound that adds a layer of satisfaction to the auditory experience. This depth can offer a more immersive typing sound; however, since specific nuances of its sound profile are not detailed, the exact differences in caliber between the two switches remain unknown from this information.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish presents a tactile experience marked by its stepped structure, which allows for a two-stage sensation. This type of feedback provides a mild and responsive feel as users press down, making it less aggressive than some hypertactile variants. Additionally, the snappy nature of the EF Grayish contributes to an engaging typing experience, ensuring quick responsiveness with each keystroke. In contrast, details about the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch haven't been provided, leaving its tactile characteristics unspecified.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is an excellent option for users seeking a versatile and balanced typing experience with a neutral sound and responsive feel. Meanwhile, the Everglide Rice Pudding’s deeper sound profile offers an appealing auditory aspect that may attract enthusiasts of richer audio characteristics. While the EF Grayish clearly shines in tactile responsiveness and sound neutrality, the Rice Pudding's unique deep sound suggests that it might cater to a different auditory preference. Overall, individuals may find that they enjoy the tactile responsiveness of the EverFree while simultaneously appreciating the deeper auditory feedback of the Rice Pudding, depending on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a newcomer to mechanical keyboards. If you seek a versatile switch that strikes a balance between sound and feel, the EF Grayish is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound and medium-weight tactile feedback make it suitable for both casual and professional settings, allowing you to enjoy a reliable typing experience whether you’re working from home or gaming with friends. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that prioritizes smooth operation and a deep sound profile, the Rice Pudding may be the way to go. Its light actuation force and compatibility with Wooting keyboards enhance its appeal, particularly for enthusiasts who value performance and the refined feel of their switches. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you.
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