Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two compelling options are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX SU. The EverFree (EF) Grayish stands out as an exemplary tactile switch, thanks to its medium weight and neutral sound, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a responsive feel without excessive noise. Its blend of characteristics, including a 'snappy' feel and approachable price point, positions it as an ideal default option for many typists. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivers a smoother, linear experience characterized by a subtle yet deep sound profile, appealing to users who prefer seamless keystrokes and less tactile feedback. Each switch offers its unique advantages, catering to different preferences in typing sensation and sound. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX SU switches display notable differences in their top housings. The EverFree utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing resonance and clarity, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX SU switch opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches provide unique sound characteristics, the EverFree caters to users seeking brightness and clarity, whereas the HMX SU is ideal for those desiring a deeper, more muted sound.
When we delve into the bottom housing of both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX SU, a more unified characteristic emerges as both switches feature nylon in this part. This similarity plays a significant role in shaping the feel and sound of the switches during typing. Nylon's inherent softness allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile to prevail in both cases, which is particularly pronounced when the key bottoms out. Given that both the EverFree and HMX SU emphasize this material for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when pressed down on regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In conclusion, despite the distinct variances in top housing materials, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX SU switches appear to converge at their bottom housing made from nylon. Consequently, the combination of the EverFree’s polycarbonate top housing's sharpness with the HMX SU's nylon top housing's warmth leads to a divergence in the overall sound perception during key presses. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottom housing fosters a deeper typing experience across both switch models, ensuring that while users may have different overall auditory experiences when typing, they'll find common ground in the bottom-out sound and feel attributed to the nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch to the HMX SU linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces highlight key differences in their design and user experience. The EverFree (EF) Grayish has a notably heavier actuation force of 59 grams, while the HMX SU features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the EverFree switch more suitable for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience, possibly ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced push feel. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the HMX SU switch, coupled with its bottom out force of 50 grams, offers a more comfortable typing experience, especially for prolonged sessions at work or during gaming. However, the bottom out force for the EverFree switch remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty about its overall typing feel. Overall, those who favor a heavier switch might gravitate towards the EverFree, while users seeking a lighter touch should consider the HMX SU.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the EverFree switch, you'll experience a bit more responsiveness due to its shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quick key response times. On the other hand, the SU switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel when pressed, catering to those who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more immediate reaction, the EverFree (EF) Grayish would be the better choice, whereas the HMX SU may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 considering the sound profile, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch stands out with its neutral sound signature, making it well-suited for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This moderate sound level ensures that it won't be overly distracting during use, which can be especially beneficial for office environments or shared spaces. In comparison, specific details about the sound profile of the HMX SU linear switch are not provided, but it is noted that it has a relatively deep sound. The depth of sound in the SU may provide a satisfying auditory feedback that is distinct from the more neutral tone of the EF Grayish, but exact characterizations remain unknown due to the lack of detailed information.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is characterized by its stepped tactile response, which provides a noticeable but mild bump during key presses, along with a snappy responsiveness that can enhance the typing experience. This combination allows for a nuanced typing sensation that balances feedback and comfort, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. The tactile feedback is complemented by a mechanism that makes typing feel engaging yet controlled. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel characteristics of the HMX SU linear switch, meaning we can’t directly compare their tactile attributes.
Taking into account the sound and feel of both switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a neutral sound and a distinctive tactile feel that provides versatility and engagement in typing. The SU linear switch, while potentially offering a deeper sound, lacks detailed comparisons in terms of tactile feel. This leaves enthusiasts to explore the SU’s precise characteristics further to fully understand how it might differ or align with the qualities found in the EF Grayish. Overall, your experience with either switch will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, and both switches offer distinct yet engaging options for various users.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switches and the HMX SU linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and use case. If you seek a versatile, tactile experience with a moderate sound profile, the EverFree Grayish is an excellent option. Its stepped design and snappy feel make it suitable for both typing and gaming, providing responsiveness without overwhelming noise, making it perfect for home and office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear keystroke, the HMX SU, with its lightweight bottom-out force and subtle sound profile, could be more aligned with your needs, especially for tasks that require sustained rapid key presses, such as gaming or coding. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you favor the tactile feedback and versatility of the EverFree or the smooth, uninterrupted feel of the SU. Each switch has its unique advantages, so consider your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for yourself.
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