Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is renowned for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches from Gateron's sub-brand offer an excellent value in the linear switch market, maintaining quality while being budget-friendly. With a smooth keystroke and the reliability of Gateron's technology, the EF Curry is ideal for those seeking a cost-effective solution from a trusted name in the industry. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the EverFree (EF) Curry's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, the two switches differ in the bottom housing material's impact on sound quality.
Despite their differences, the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing, which offers a clear and resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound experience, aligning with the aesthetic appeal of clear housings for RGB lighting compatibility. However, their nylon bottom housings display distinct differences in sound quality, with the Blue Sky emphasizing a deeper sound profile, and the EverFree (EF) Curry focusing on a softer, rounder sound due to the absorption qualities of nylon. This contrast in bottom housing material highlights the nuanced variations between the two switches.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the polycarbonate top housings deliver a similar sharp and crisp sound profile, the differences in their nylon bottom housings create unique typing experiences. The Blue Sky's emphasis on a fuller sound contrasts with the EverFree (EF) Curry's absorption of more sound, resulting in a distinguishable difference in sound quality. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch showcases how the choice of materials impacts the overall typing experience, making them ideal for users seeking specific sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that both switches offer a medium level of resistance, striking a balance between typing comfort and feedback. While some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, others may appreciate a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience with similar actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to achieve similar results regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, both the Blue Sky and EverFree (EF) Curry switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of key feel and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Curry for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This is ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound over a rich and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They have a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Similarly, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience. In addition, it is noted as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing feel likely due to longer or dual-staged springs. The presence of a mild typing experience in both switches suggests that users can expect a comfortable and approachable feel when typing.
Considering all the available information, while the Blue Sky switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile and mild feel with a polished finish, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch offers a budget-friendly option with a reliable and smooth linear mechanism. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, ensuring a pleasant feel while typing. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and performance from these two switches, with the main difference being the sound profile of the Blue Sky switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, then the Blue Sky may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a neutral sound profile and a snappy, polished feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch could be the better fit. Consider your typing preferences, budget, and desired sound and feel when making your decision between these two quality linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual typing style and requirements.
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