Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) grayish and the Everglide Tourmaline blue mechanical keyboard switches, we find two distinct options catering to different preferences. The EF grayish offers a tactile typing experience with its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and approachable price point, making it a stellar default tactile option. On the other hand, the Tourmaline blue provides a linear switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring, offering a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While the EF grayish is categorized as 'neutral', 'stepped', 'snappy', the Tourmaline blue falls under 'buttery', 'easy-to-press', 'mild', 'neutral'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to different preferences; 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches have similar top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The EF Grayish utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, in contrast to the duller and rounder sound of nylon.
The contrasting housing materials of the EF Grayish and Tourmaline Blue impact the overall sound and feel of the switches differently. When typing on the EF Grayish, the user will experience the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper sound and a fuller feel upon pressing down on the key. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and more resonant sound when typing. Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how varying materials can affect the typing experience.
While the EF Grayish and Tourmaline Blue have distinct housing materials that influence their sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in both switches' top housings gives them a shared characteristic in sound quality. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. However, the choice of bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, results in differences in sound depth and feel. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to their unique typing experiences and allows for users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the same at 59 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue is on the heavier side with 67 grams while the Grayish has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Grayish would be the better choice due to the lack of information on its bottom out force, potentially indicating a lighter feel overall. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, so users can expect comparable results in terms of responsiveness and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the EverFree Grayish. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the EverFree Grayish a better choice in this aspect. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, providing options for users with varied preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and 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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as having a stepped and snappy tactile feedback, providing a distinct typing experience with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience with a mild feel, enhanced by a lengthened single-stage spring for a bouncy sensation.
Overall, while the sound qualities of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are similar, they provide different tactile experiences. The Grayish switch offers a more stepped and snappy feel, ideal for those who prefer a bit more feedback with their keystrokes, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a smoother and easier typing experience, suitable for users looking for a low-impact feel. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
All in all, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a stepped and snappy feel, the EF Grayish may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue might be the ideal choice for your needs. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will provide you with the most satisfying typing experience.
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