Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and Outemu Yellow Silver are two popular options to consider. The EF Grayish switch is a tactile option known for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and affordable price point, making it a great default choice for many users. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Yellow Silver lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches if RGB lighting is a key feature. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes nylon while the Yellow Silver also uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the EverFree (EF) Grayish, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both the EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer a unique typing experience based on the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The EverFree (EF) Grayish with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on it a more muted and rounder experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, with polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing, offers a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile, enhancing the overall typing feedback. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing sound and feel when typing, with each material contributing its own distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Yellow Silver may share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences in bottom housing material result in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The EverFree (EF) Grayish's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted typing experience, while the Yellow Silver with polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing delivers a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, resonant typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Yellow Silver is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams compared to the EverFree Grayish's 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Yellow Silver also takes the lead with 55 grams compared to the EverFree Grayish's unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Yellow Silver would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the EverFree Grayish for its heavier actuation force. It is important to note that both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the actuation force determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, and the bottom out force measuring the pressure needed to press all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The EverFree Grayish would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred option for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch would offer a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for a wide range of users and applications. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it is important to consider the overall setup when evaluating sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is known for its stepped and snappy tactile feedback, providing a unique typing experience with distinct stages in the keystroke process. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not available. However, given the light actuation force and speediness mentioned in its description, it is likely to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience favored by gamers and typists.
Overall, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The EF Grayish offers a stepped and snappy tactile feel along with a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch provides a light actuation force and speediness, catering to gamers and typists seeking a responsive typing experience. In the end, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium weight and a neutral sound profile at an approachable price point, then the EverFree Grayish may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a neutral sound profile for a speedy and responsive typing experience, then the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision.
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