Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer distinct features to suit different preferences. The EF Grayish stands out as a tactile switch, known for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordability, making it a solid choice for those looking for a default tactile option. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that provides a smooth, high-pitched typing experience, thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing that allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem of the Aurora Clear is lightly lubed for minimal friction and a polished keystroke. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound when typing. However, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks.
Despite sharing polycarbonate top housings, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their bottom housing materials, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Grayish produces a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a unique typing experience with deeper tones. In contrast, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear results in a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks, creating a distinct tactile feedback when typing. These varying bottom housing materials showcase how different plastics can impact the overall acoustics and feel of mechanical switches.
While the top housing material primarily influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. The split between the different housing materials in the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear demonstrates how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. Whether utilizing nylon or UHWMPE for the bottom housing, these switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback to cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Aurora Clear is the lighter option with an actuation force of 53 grams compared to the EverFree Grayish's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aurora Clear is the heavier option with 63.5 grams compared to the EverFree Grayish's unknown force. The EverFree Grayish provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher actuation force, while the Aurora Clear offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the actuation force catering to the trigger of a keystroke, and the bottom out force measuring the full press of the switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The EverFree switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a deeper and more satisfying key press thanks to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile feel. Both switches offer unique advantages, but cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a sharper and crisper typing experience. When it comes to feel, the EF Grayish provides a stepped and snappy typing sensation, offering a unique tactile experience with distinct stages during keypress. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke with minimal friction.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EF Grayish provides a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy feel, the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between these two switches to achieve your desired outcome. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a neutral sound profile and a slightly stepped and snappy tactile feel, the EF Grayish may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished linear feel, the WS Aurora Clear could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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