Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Violet are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer a satisfying typing experience. The EF Grayish is recognized for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable tactile switch. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is known for its smooth actuation and poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of their top housing material, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Violet utilize polycarbonate. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. Visually, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the vibrant illumination of the switches, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards they are used in.
Moving on to their bottom housing material, both switches feature nylon for this component. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite having different top housings, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Violet share this characteristic, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel attributed to their nylon bottom housings.
While both switches share the same top housing material, their bottom housing materials set them apart in terms of typing experience. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Jerrzi Violet's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience. The distribution of these materials in the switches affects the sound and feel when pressing down and letting go of a key. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in different housing components contributes to the unique characteristics and overall performance of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch for a stronger push force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jerrzi Violet has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EverFree Grayish. The EverFree Grayish falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth and a more tactile feel when typing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches offer a neutral sound signature, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a moderate sound profile that is not overly loud or distracting. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is noted for its stepped tactile feedback, providing a more subdued tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. Additionally, it is described as snappy, which adds to the overall responsiveness and liveliness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch also offers a stepped tactile feel, giving users a more refined and precise keystroke that is comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches deliver comparable neutral sound profiles and stepped tactile feedback for a pleasant typing experience. Whether you choose one over the other, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference, price point, and additional features that each switch offers.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, consider your preference for a medium weight switch with a neutral sound signature and an affordable price point. Choose the EverFree (EF) Grayish if you want a stepped and snappy typing experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, opt for the Jerrzi Violet if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and budget constraints.
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