Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options to consider are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The EF Grayish, known for its medium weight and neutral sound profile, offers a balanced tactile feedback that appeals to both typists and gamers, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring a lightweight actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire inputs and a bright, clacky sound that adds excitement to gaming sessions. While the EverFree switch provides a more traditional typing experience with its snappy response and approachable price, the Vintage Citrus aims for speed and efficiency, catering to those who prioritize quick actions. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches each utilize distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The EverFree (EF) Grayish features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for users who prefer a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches use a nylon top housing, which is a classic material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon leads to a more muted and rounded auditory signature, catering to users who might prefer a richer and warmer sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, sharing the same classic material that produces a deeper and fuller typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Vintage Citrus contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel and sound. This shared characteristic ensures that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the overall typing experience from the bottom is consistent. Thus, while users may notice differing auditory qualities during the key release, the rich and deep sound experience during the press remains intact due to the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in these switches results in a unique sound experience for each. The EverFree (EF) Grayish, with its polycarbonate top, offers an articulate sound when keys are released, emphasizing clarity, while the Vintage Citrus focuses on a more muted experience with its nylon top. However, the consistency brought by the nylon bottom housing across both switches means that users can expect a satisfying depth in their keystrokes, regardless of the differing upper housing materials. In practice, those who appreciate a mix of clarity and fullness may find value in both designs, especially since the shared nylon bottom enhances the overall typing experience in both cases.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The EverFree Grayish has an actuation force of 59 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Vintage Citrus, which features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This lighter force may appeal to users who prefer a switch that requires less effort for triggering keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Vintage Citrus has a clearly defined bottom out force of 53 grams, the bottom out force for the EverFree Grayish remains unknown. Therefore, potential users of the Grayish switch may experience an undefined sensation of bottoming out, whereas those who choose the Vintage Citrus can expect a more predictable end point with a medium-light pressure. Thus, for those who favor a firmer overall typing experience, the EverFree may be suitable, while those who enjoy lighter feedback may find the Vintage Citrus more appealing.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the EverFree switch provides a more robust travel experience, which some users might prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, caters more to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, offering a more immediate actuation which can be advantageous in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, if you value a more pronounced tactile sensation, the EverFree switch is the better choice, while the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those prioritizing speed 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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 profile that strikes a balance ideal for both casual and professional settings. Its moderate sound signature makes it versatile, easily blending into various environments without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch presents a bright, clacky sound profile that is reflective of its design focus on gaming. This more pronounced auditory feedback can enhance the overall experience during fast-paced gaming sessions, but might be more noticeable in quieter settings.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is characterized by its stepped tactile response, which consists of a distinct two-stage keystroke. This stepped design provides a subtle sense of pre-travel and post-travel, contributing to a snappy typing experience that feels responsive and alive. The actuation force is medium, making it accommodating for various typing styles and ensuring comfort during extended use. The Vintage Citrus switch, designed for rapid input, features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, providing a remarkably smooth push feel. It is tailored for high-speed gaming, allowing for quick and efficient key presses without the tactile feedback that the EverFree offers.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. The EverFree provides a more balanced sound and tactile feedback suited for a variety of tasks, making it a reliable choice for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus excels in environments where quick, rapid inputs are key, thanks to its clacky sound and low actuation force. Ultimately, both switches can deliver great performance; your choice depends on whether you prioritize a tactile bump or a faster, smoother experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a versatile, all-around tactile option that accommodates both typing and gaming, the EverFree switch may be the better fit for you. Its neutral sound profile, medium weight, and stepped action provide a comfortable experience for various tasks, whether it’s typing at work or casual gaming at home. On the other hand, if your focus is predominantly on high-speed gaming where every millisecond counts, the Vintage Citrus switch would likely serve you better. With its light actuation force and quick response time, it is designed for rapid inputs, allowing you to execute actions swiftly and efficiently. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what typing experience you prefer; the EverFree excels in general versatility, while the Vintage Citrus shines in gaming performance.
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