Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish is a tactile switch that stands out with its medium weight and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a balanced and responsive typing experience. Its snappy feedback offers a satisfying tactile sensation, ideal for both typing and gaming without causing excessive noise, while its approachable price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch presents a different appeal with its extended 3.85mm travel distance. This feature enables a quieter keystroke, which can be particularly beneficial in shared environments or for powerful typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump. The Twilight embodies the clacky characteristics of HMX switches, ensuring that each press is rewarding. While both switches have their own strengths, the EverFree (EF) Grayish caters to those who appreciate a tactile feedback, while the HMX Twilight offers a more seamless and quieter experience. 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
42g
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
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Twilight, one finds a distinct contrast in the choice of materials used. The EverFree (EF) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This attribute is particularly advantageous for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate housing can enhance visual effects due to its translucency. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials influences the overall acoustics of the switches, offering distinct sound characteristics that cater to diverse user preferences.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a notable similarity; both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Twilight incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity provides a consistent auditory experience, as nylon’s softer properties contribute to a deeper and more rounded sound profile. The characteristics imparted by the nylon in the bottom housing are crucial, as they predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Regardless of the varying top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom components ensures that both switches produce a satisfying sound that resonates with users who appreciate a fuller auditory feedback during keystrokes.
Ultimately, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and HMX Twilight offer different sound profiles due to their distinct top housing materials, they share a commonality that can create an overall similar auditory experience. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree's and the nylon bottom housing results in a switch that may exhibit a more pronounced and resonant sound upon release due to the top material, while still maintaining a fullness in bottom-out sounds thanks to the nylon. Conversely, the Twilight's all-nylon construction tends to yield a uniformly softer sound profile that emphasizes dampening. This interplay between the characteristics of the top and bottom housings ultimately allows users to choose based on their acoustic preference while achieving a balance in tactile response.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the actuation forces reveal a notable difference, with the EverFree requiring 59 grams to actuate compared to the lighter 42 grams of the Twilight. This suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Twilight, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might appreciate the heavier actuation of the EverFree switch. Additionally, the bottom out force for the EverFree is unknown, while the Twilight has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which further underscores its overall lighter feel. In summary, the EverFree switch might be suited for those seeking a firmer resistance, whereas the Twilight offers a more accessible touch for longer usage, making it a more optimal choice for casual or prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the HMX Twilight linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference means that users of the EverFree will experience a more responsive key press, appealing to those who favor quicker reaction times, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who prefer a deeper and more deliberate key press. Consequently, choosing between these two switches depends largely on personal preference: for a more immediate response, the EverFree is ideal, while the Twilight would be better suited for individuals who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
The sound profile of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is neutral, striking a balance that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The moderate actuation force combined with a moderate sound level means it won’t be too distracting while still providing enough auditory feedback to confirm a successful keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed with a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter acoustic output. Despite this, it retains the characteristic clacky sound typical of HMX switches, making it distinct yet not overly loud. Both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which may modify their sound signature further.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish exhibits a stepped tactile response, providing a mild yet discernible bump at the actuation point. This is enhanced by a snappy quality that makes it feel responsive, thanks to its dual-staged springs. This combination creates an engaging typing experience that highlights both pre-travel and post-travel feedback. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the HMX Twilight linear switch are not detailed, leaving a gap in the comparison for its feel. However, the linear design typically suggests a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke without the distinct tactile bump found in the EF Grayish.
In summary, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish is a well-balanced tactile switch with a neutral sound and a responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned users. The HMX Twilight, on the other hand, offers a quieter linear experience with a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. While the EverFree shines in its tactile feedback and versatility, the Twilight's unique characteristics attract users looking for a more understated sound profile. For those seeking similar results, the differences in tactile feedback and sound levels between these switches should be considered based on personal typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately boils down to your preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a versatile switch that provides a balanced tactile feedback—ideal for both casual use and focused work—the EverFree (EF) Grayish should be your go-to option. Its neutral sound signature and moderate actuation force make it suitable for various environments, whether you're in a quiet office or gaming at home. Additionally, if you appreciate a snappy response and the mild two-stage feel of a stepped switch, the EverFree offers that engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a smooth, linear feel that prioritizes a fluid keystroke for gaming or fast-paced typing, the HMX Twilight might be more appealing. With its extended travel distance and light bottom out force, this switch is less likely to cause finger fatigue during long sessions, making it perfect for those who prefer a simple and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your specific requirements and personal comfort, ensuring that you enjoy every keystroke.
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