The finish did seem a little softer, like you said, but I noticed way less dust and that weird chemical smell was basically gone.
That’s been my experience too—those VOCs in traditional drywall can be brutal, especially in a closed space like a basement. I’ve specified eco-friendly sheetrock on a few projects now, and honestly, the air quality difference is noticeable. The “softer” finish is a trade-off, but unless you’re planning to play racquetball down there, it’s usually not a big deal.
Long-term durability is a fair concern. Some of the newer green boards are actually holding up better than the old stuff, especially if you’re dealing with moisture. I’ve seen fewer issues with mold and warping, which is huge in basements. The only thing I’d watch for is how it handles dings—maybe just be a bit more careful moving furniture around.
Allergies not flaring up is a win in my book. Sometimes the “eco” label feels like marketing, but in this case, I think it’s legit.