Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Salt Ice stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The EF Grayish is a tactile switch, known for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is a linear switch with exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering users a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the EF Grayish provides a snappy and tactile typing experience, the Salt Ice offers a smooth and responsive feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the same characteristics as its top housing for a consistent sound profile.
While both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Salt Ice share polycarbonate as their top housing material, their differences lie in the bottom housing. The EverFree (EF) Grayish's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the sharper and crisper sound profile found in its top housing. This split in housing materials allows for a combination of sound qualities when pressing down on the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing. The clear and crisp sound profile created by polycarbonate is consistent across both switches, with a focus on providing a sharp and resonant typing experience. Whether typing on the EverFree (EF) Grayish with its nylon bottom housing or the Salt Ice with its polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect a high-quality sound profile that enhances their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that the Salt Ice is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the EverFree Grayish is the heavier option with an actuation force of 59 grams. The bottom out force for both switches is unknown, but the difference in actuation force suggests that the EverFree Grayish may require a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience compared to the Salt Ice. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Salt Ice for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the EverFree Grayish for a more tactile and responsive typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, without knowing the specific measurement for either switch, it is likely that users can expect similar results in terms of how each switch feels when fully depressed.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is important as it can affect the typing experience and the overall feel of the keyboard. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of how the keys feel when pressed. This means that whether you choose the EverFree Grayish or the Salt Ice, you can enjoy a consistent typing experience with the same travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their 3.4 mm 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 and moderate sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, providing a more energetic and lively typing experience. While sound is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the EverFree Grayish switch is likely to be quieter and more versatile compared to the Salt Ice switch.
Moving on to feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is characterized as having a stepped and snappy tactile feel, providing users with a two-stage bump sensation and a responsive typing experience. In contrast, information on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is not provided. If we were to compare the two switches solely based on the available information, it can be deduced that the EverFree Grayish switch offers a more structured tactile feedback compared to the potentially smoother and linear feel of the Salt Ice switch.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EverFree Grayish switch excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a responsive tactile feel, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of users. Conversely, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky sound signature, potentially offering a more energetic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a medium-weight tactile switch with a neutral sound profile and an affordable price point, the EverFree (EF) Grayish may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright, clacky linear switch with vibrant feedback and light actuation, the Salt Ice could provide you with an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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