Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present two distinct choices that cater to different typing preferences. The EverFree Grayish is celebrated for its balanced tactile feedback, neutral sound profile, and user-friendly medium weight, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking a reliable tactile experience without overwhelming noise—ideal for both office settings and gaming environments alike. In contrast, the Xinhai Heavy features a more solid build with its PA12 housing, designed for softer acoustics, and a POM stem that provides a crisp keystroke, which appeals to those who prefer the smoothness and fluidity of linear switches. While the EverFree excels in delivering a pronounced tactile bump for enhanced typing satisfaction, the Xinhai Heavy emphasizes a clean and uninterrupted keystroke for a more seamless experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit distinct characteristics in sound profile due to the differing materials used for their top housings. The EverFree's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when typing. This material choice allows the EverFree to provide a crisper auditory response, particularly appealing to users who favor clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder output that can feel more muted compared to the EverFree's polycarbonate sound signature.
In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile, absorbing sound and enhancing the bottom-out feedback during key presses. This similarity in material choice ensures that users would perceive a comparably warm and solid feel when bottoming out, regardless of the distinction made by the top housing materials. Thus, while the overall auditory characteristics differ with the top housing, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing fosters a consistent experience in terms of feel and lower-frequency sound profiles.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a rich variety of tactile and auditory experiences. Users looking for a sharper and more resonant sound will likely prefer the EverFree due to its polycarbonate top housing, especially if the aesthetics of RGB lighting are a consideration. In contrast, those who appreciate a fuller, deeper keystroke sound might gravitate towards the HMX Xinhai's nylon top housing. Nevertheless, the shared nylon material in the bottom of both switches ensures that users will experience a similar grounding effect in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out, bridging some of the gap in their performance despite the differences in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see some distinct differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The EverFree Grayish has an actuation force of 59 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 55 grams required for the Xinhai. This means that the EverFree will require more effort to actuate a keystroke, making it potentially less suitable for extended typing sessions for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force for the EverFree is currently unknown, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, classified as medium. This indicates that the Xinhai not only allows for a lighter actuation but also provides a clearly defined resistance when bottoming out. Overall, the EverFree is the heavier option in terms of actuation, while the Xinhai, with its known bottom out force, offers a more balanced experience for users who prefer both a lighter actuation and a firmer bottom out feel, making it suitable for varied preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and feedback when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience. The equal travel distance indicates that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of key actuation, making them equally suitable for users who prioritize consistency in their typing or gaming activities.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 boasts a neutral sound signature, making it versatile enough for both workspace environments and casual use. This characteristic is particularly appealing for those who do not want to disturb their surroundings during typing. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is not explicitly detailed, the switch’s construction features a unique PA12 top housing aimed at softer acoustics. This hints that it may potentially produce a more subdued sound compared to other switches, but for a clearer comparison, specifics on its sound signature would be necessary.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is recognized for its stepped tactile response, providing a noticeable two-stage actuation that gives the user feedback without overwhelming them. This feature, combined with its snappy nature, creates an engaging and responsive typing experience, enhancing the overall interaction with each keystroke. The characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) were not mentioned in terms of feel, so its tactile feedback remain unknown. It would be ideal to gather further details on how this switch engages the user compared to the EF Grayish.
In summary, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish presents itself as an excellent all-rounder with its neutral sound and engaging tactile feel, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is crafted for a more sophisticated sound experience with softer acoustics, although its tactile qualities remain unclear at this time. Each switch offers distinct advantages that cater to different user experiences, and discovering personal preferences will ultimately help in making an informed choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a tactile sensation during your keystrokes and prefer a balanced, neutral sound profile, then the EverFree Grayish is an excellent choice. Its stepped and snappy feel caters well for both novice and seasoned typists, making it suitable for both work and play at home. On the other hand, if you crave a heavier, more substantial feel with a distinct sound, the Xinhai Heavy is designed for those who enjoy a strong key press and a sophisticated acoustic experience. With its unique construction providing enhanced resonance, this switch is ideal for users who type with intent and require that extra level of feedback to enhance their performance. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
