Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Akko Rosewood present distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The EF Grayish is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a medium weight and a neutral sound signature that make it an excellent default choice for those who appreciate a satisfying yet unobtrusive typing experience. Its snappy feel and approachable price point further enhance its appeal for both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood stands out with its smooth linear action, producing a rich, thocky sound that delights users who enjoy a more fluid keystroke without the tactile bump. This switch, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant, ensures an enjoyable and quieter typing experience. While both switches have their unique strengths, they cater to different preferences—tactile versus linear. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Akko Rosewood, notable differences emerge, particularly regarding the top housings. The EverFree features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Rosewood incorporates a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of key presses, making it especially appealing for users who enjoy the pronounced acoustic feedback of their switches. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Rosewood contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, dampening reverberations and offering a more muted typing experience. This fundamental difference in material properties suggests that users looking for a bright, pronounced sound may gravitate toward the EverFree, while those desiring a warmer, rounder auditory experience might prefer the Rosewood.
However, both switches share a commonality when it comes to their bottom housings, as both the EverFree and the Rosewood utilize nylon for this component. The characteristics of nylon are well acknowledged; this softer plastic absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to dull the acoustic feedback slightly. Although the overall sound signature can be differentiated by the top housing materials, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches means that users will experience a similar deeper acoustic signature when pressing the keys. Thus, despite the contrasting top housing materials, the bottom housings help align their performance in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish and Akko Rosewood switches exhibit distinct auditory profiles due to their differing top-housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing creates a unifying factor in their sound experience. The polycarbonate top of the EverFree offers a crisper and sharper sound, contributing to a bright and lively typing feel, while the muted and rounded tones of the Rosewood's nylon top lend to a softer experience. Nevertheless, the nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a satisfying low-end sound and tactile response. Consequently, users may find that their choice largely hinges on their preference for the top housing's sound signature, while both options will deliver a consistent bottom-out quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge. The EverFree Grayish switch features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, while the Rosewood switch has a lighter actuation force of just 40 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Rosewood switch is more suitable. However, the bottom out force for the EverFree switch is unknown, making it impossible to draw a complete comparison regarding that metric. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a designated bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a more moderate push feel as users press down to register a keystroke. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort might gravitate toward the Akko Rosewood, while those who seek a heavier feel may find the EverFree Grayish a more satisfying choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find that the EverFree has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rosewood measures 4.0 mm. This means that the EverFree switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who value quicker response times. In contrast, the Rosewood's longer travel distance provides a more traditional feel that some users might prefer for its deeper tactile feedback. While the shorter distance of the EverFree may feel more abrupt to some, it caters to those seeking a faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, balancing the desire for responsiveness with the comfort of a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 offers a neutral profile that is characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for a range of environments, whether at home or in an office. This neutrality allows the user to remain engaged in their typing without being overly distracted by the sound, which appeals to both beginners and experienced typists alike. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deeper, thocky sound due to its factory-applied lubricant. This results in a more pronounced acoustic experience, ideal for those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback when typing. However, it's important to note that the sound characteristics of both switches will ultimately be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch provides a stepped tactile experience characterized by a mild bump that can be felt during the keystroke, which adds a layer of feedback without overwhelming the user. This switch design is geared towards responsiveness, often enhanced by longer or dual-staged springs, contributing to a 'snappy' typing sensation that many find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch is labeled as linear, which typically means a smoother keystroke without tactile feedback. While this can offer a more fluid typing experience, it ultimately lacks the distinct tactile feel that the EverFree provides.
In summary, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild yet responsive tactile experience, making it a solid choice for a variety of users. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch brings a deeper sound with a linear feel that may please those who enjoy a smoother keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths: if you prefer a tactile feedback with moderate sound, the EverFree is a great fit, while the Rosewood can enhance your typing with its satisfying acoustic profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both can potentially deliver a gratifying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're seeking a balanced tactile experience that combines a moderate actuation force with a neutral sound profile, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is an excellent choice. Its stepped feel ensures a clearly defined actuation point without being overly tactile, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists—a solid option for desk use in various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic and smooth typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Rosewood switch may be more aligned with your style. Its lightweight actuation and characteristic thocky sound will enhance your overall typing experience, providing a delightful sensation that many enthusiasts crave. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preferences; whether you lean towards a more traditional tactile feel or a linear switch with a pronounced acoustic signature will guide your selection between these two impressive options.
Mentioned in this article
