Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree Grayish and the TKC Tangerine stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Grayish offers a tactile typing experience with a medium weight, neutral sound signature, and an approachable price point, making it a stellar default option. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a smooth and seamless linear feel that elevates the typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings. While the Grayish is categorized as 'neutral', 'stepped', 'snappy', the Tangerine is labeled 'frictionless', 'buttery', 'high-pitched', 'polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The EverFree (EF) Grayish uses polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing, which provides a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the EverFree (EF) Grayish is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the UHWMPE material in the Tangerine's top housing offers a newer option for users seeking a different typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrasts with the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing, which also offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, catering to users looking for a different typing feel. Despite their differences, both materials bring their unique qualities to the switches, creating a diverse range of sound profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a brighter, more resonant one, both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TKC Tangerine offer distinct options to suit your typing style.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TKC Tangerine ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the EverFree (EF) Grayish provides a crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Tangerine offers a bright sound signature with both its UHWMPE top and bottom housings. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel and sound of a switch. Despite their differences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their needs and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can see that the EF Grayish has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Tangerine's unknown actuation force. However, the Tangerine has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the EF Grayish is unavailable. This means that typing on the EF Grayish may feel lighter and easier to actuate, while typing on the Tangerine may provide a more substantial and satisfying push feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. Overall, the selection between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the TKC Tangerine linear switch. The EverFree (EF) Grayish would be the better choice for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, while the TKC Tangerine would be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more depth and precision in their key presses. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of what feels more comfortable and natural to the user.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, providing users with options based on their personal sound preferences and surroundings.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is described as stepped and snappy, offering a two-stage tactile feel with a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance. Each switch offers a unique tactile and typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EverFree (EF) Grayish switch presents a neutral sound profile with a stepped and snappy tactile feel, making it a versatile option for various users and typing scenarios. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch delivers a high-pitched sound with a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and key feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and unique characteristics that cater to different needs within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium weight tactile switch with a neutral sound profile and an approachable price point, the EverFree (EF) Grayish may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and high-pitched linear switch that offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, the Tangerine may suit your needs better. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your typing habits and preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TKC Tangerine will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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