Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are distinct qualities that make each one unique. The EF Grayish is praised for its medium weight and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent default tactile option at an approachable price point. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a captivating selection of five pastel colors and a typing experience characterized by dryness, wispiness, and airiness while maintaining smoothness. Although both switches have their strengths, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, offering a pleasant, not particularly sharp, but brighter sound. While the EverFree Grayish's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and resonance, the Sea Glass's blend provides a different sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a softer, yet brighter tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the EverFree Grayish employs nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass also uses a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the EverFree Grayish providing a deeper tone while the Sea Glass offers a more lively sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish and the Durock Sea Glass will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the EverFree Grayish offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile with polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Sea Glass provides a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, and users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile, with slight variations in tone and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the 59 grams of the EverFree Grayish. The EverFree Grayish has no specified bottom out force, while the Sea Glass has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sea Glass due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may be drawn to the EverFree Grayish with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing pressure and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Sea Glass has a longer travel distance at 3.8 mm, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but for those who prefer a more responsive key press, the EverFree Grayish might be the better option. On the other hand, users who enjoy a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Sea Glass. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences due to their differing travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound due to its proprietary material blend. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by your choice of keyboard and keycaps, so results may vary based on those factors.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as stepped and snappy, providing a responsive and dynamic typing experience. In comparison, the Durock Sea Glass switch is known for its frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press qualities, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, with the EverFree (EF) Grayish focusing on a stepped and snappy feel, while the Sea Glass emphasizes a light and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch and the Durock Sea Glass switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch provides a neutral sound profile and a stepped, snappy tactile feel, the Sea Glass switch offers a hollow sound signature and a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, and regardless of which one you choose, you can expect reliable performance and quality craftsmanship.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom-out force, a neutral sound signature, and a moderate tactile feel with a snappy response, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium 62g bottom-out force, a distinctive hollow sound signature, and a frictionless, feathery typing experience that is easy to press without causing fatigue, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and tactile feedback desired for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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