Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flaming Purple offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The EF Grayish is a tactile switch known for its medium weight, neutral sound signature, and reasonable price point. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple by TTC is a linear switch distinguished by its resonant character and bassier sound profile, making each keystroke engaging and impactful. While the EF Grayish provides a snappy and stepped tactile experience, the Flaming Purple offers a feathery, easy-to-press feel, ideal for quick and effortless typing. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flaming Purple, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add lighting to their keyboard setup. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of these switches yields similar results.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The EverFree (EF) Grayish features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Conversely, the Flaming Purple also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound qualities to the EverFree (EF) Grayish. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a different typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the TTC Flaming Purple demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, the use of nylon in their bottom housings sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile from nylon, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, which has a lower actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Flaming Purple switch has a bottom out force of 47 grams, which is still lighter compared to the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Flaming Purple switch make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The EverFree Grayish will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Flaming Purple due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the EverFree Grayish for its faster actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Flaming Purple with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming.
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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses, whether at home or work. Its sound signature is moderate, with a comfortable actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch provides a bassier undertone, adding a touch of poppy flair to every keystroke. Its resonant character offers a clean and sharp sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the EverFree Grayish being more balanced and the Flaming Purple leaning towards a bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a mild bump with two stages during keystrokes. This offers a responsive typing experience, with a snappy feel that is lively yet controlled. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is noted for its feathery nature, offering an exceptionally light press that requires minimal exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes typing effortless, ideal for extended typing sessions for gaming, school, or work. Additionally, the Flaming Purple switch is easy-to-press and silky, providing a smooth and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and TTC Flaming Purple switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EverFree Grayish provides a neutral sound profile with a balanced tactile feel, while the Flaming Purple offers a bassier sound signature with a feathery and smooth typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the EverFree Grayish being more versatile for various uses and the Flaming Purple excelling in providing a comfortable and light typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a medium-weight tactile switch with a neutral sound signature at an approachable price point, the EverFree (EF) Grayish may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a slightly bassier undertone and a feathery feel for swift and effortless typing, the TTC Flaming Purple could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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