Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feel and sound, and two popular options that embody different approaches are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The EF Grayish offers a delightful tactile experience with its medium weight and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent default choice for those who appreciate a snappy feedback without overwhelming noise. Its custom molds and accessible price point further solidify its appeal for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the WS Pearl takes a sleek, modern approach with its use of ball-bearing technology, which significantly reduces friction for a remarkably smooth keystroke experience. While the Pearl caters to enthusiasts seeking an ultra-smooth linear feel, its medium-high pitched sound adds a unique character to each keystroke. Both switches have their merits, catering to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the materials used for the top housings present a distinct contrast in sound characteristics. The EverFree's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity that results in a crisper sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a sharper and more resonant auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer elevated highs in their typing sounds. On the other hand, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and more flexible. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder auditory impression that dampens higher frequencies. In essence, the choice of housing material significantly influences the sound output of each switch type and caters to different preferences in acoustic feedback during use.
While the top housing materials differ between the two switches, both the Gateron EverFree and Wuque Studio utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will exhibit similar foundational sound characteristics stemming from their nylon bottoms. As nylon is known to absorb more sound, the typing experience on both switches will have a rich and muted quality with respect to the bottom-out sound. Despite the differences in the upper portions, the nylon material in the bottoms means that users can expect a consistent sensation of depth and fullness when the key is pressed down. This shared aspect makes for a somewhat unified experience, even as the switches present different tonal profiles when engaged.
In terms of overall performance and sound dynamics, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Wuque Studio WS Pearl demonstrate how materials can play a pivotal role in defining the user experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree leads to an exciting, bright sound when releasing a key, while the nylon top of the WS Pearl creates a more subdued and mellow sound upon release. However, since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, the deeper, fuller auditory feedback remains consistent across both models when the key is fully engaged. Thus, while there are pronounced differences in the sound and feel of these switches, the underlying similarities in their construction ensure that users will experience both the unique and shared qualities of their respective designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge, particularly in their actuation forces. The EverFree Grayish requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, which can be favorable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where a tactile response is desired. Conversely, the WS Pearl has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams, catering to those who favor reduced finger strain and ease of keystrokes for extended periods of use. While the bottom out force for the EverFree Grayish is listed as unknown, the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that it provides tactile feedback even at full depression. As a result, users looking for a switch that aligns with a heavier feel should gravitate toward the EverFree, while those seeking a lighter experience will appreciate the WS Pearl. Overall, if the bottom out force of the EverFree were known and fell in a similar range, users might expect a comparable typing experience, although the actuation forces make them fundamentally different choices.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the EF Grayish has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This makes the EverFree Grayish the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers who favor quicker keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Pearl's travel distance offers a longer press, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their switches, allowing for a more deliberate keystroke. Although both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, your choice depends on whether you lean towards a snappier response or a more pronounced tactile 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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
When considering the sound profile of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch, it is characterized by its neutral tone. This means it has a balanced sound signature, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The moderately pitched sound is neither jarring nor overly muted, allowing it to suit both casual and serious typing sessions without drawing unnecessary attention. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which adds a sprightly flair to keystrokes. The difference in sound may influence your typing experience and could resonate differently depending on the board and keycaps you choose.
When it comes to feel, the EF Grayish switch offers a unique tactile experience, described as a stepped switch that gives a pronounced but gentle bump during keypresses. This tactile feedback is snappy, allowing users to type with a lively and responsive sensation. The dual-staged springs contribute to a pleasing typing action that encourages quick and accurate inputs. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch introduces a level of smoothness that is achieved through the use of ball-bearing mechanisms. While the exact characteristics of the WS Pearl's feel are unknown, the smooth and friction-reduced experience suggests a different typing texture compared to the pronounced tactile feedback of the EF Grayish.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches present distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The EF Grayish excels in offering a neutral sound and a snappy tactile response that suits a variety of users, while the WS Pearl stands out for its smooth keystrokes, albeit with an unknown tactile feedback characteristic. Depending on your typing preferences—whether you enjoy pronounced tactile sensations or ultra-smooth actions—you may find one switch more suitable than the other, but both can ultimately be used to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile feedback experience that is approachable and versatile, the EF Grayish is an excellent option. Its medium weight and neutral sound signature make it suitable for both typing and gaming, without being overly distracting or intrusive in shared spaces. This switch offers a snappy, responsive feel with its stepped design, ensuring that you have a delightful typing experience whether you’re a beginner or seasoned typist. On the other hand, if you’re seeking an exceptionally smooth keystroke that emphasizes speed and precision, the WS Pearl is the way to go. With its medium-high pitch sound signature and innovative ball-bearing mechanism, this linear switch provides a remarkably frictionless typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize fluidity in their key presses, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you favor tactile feedback or an ultra-smooth linear feel; both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
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