Aflion Blush vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Blush and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry, both linear switches. The Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, providing a reliable and smooth keystroke experience. While the Blush is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery', the EverFree Curry is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Polished', 'Mild'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This material is relatively stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blush utilizes nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both the Blush and the EF Curry have a similar nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate. These differences in housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Blush and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry differ in material, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the properties of polycarbonate and nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches provides a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded typing experience. These differences showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, also falling into the medium-weight category. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the EverFree (EF) Curry for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, others may enjoy the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Blush for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar performance with their medium-weight forces, providing a comfortable typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, it is evident that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Curry's 4 mm. This means that the Blush will require less distance to actuate the key compared to the Curry. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Blush due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Curry with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush 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 Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound signature, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is achieved through lubricant applied in the factory and specific materials, resulting in a silky sensation when typing. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is described as snappy, polished, and mild, offering a super responsive and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make the typing experience more alive and refined while still being approachable to most users.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush excels in providing a smooth and snappy feel with a poppy sound, while the EverFree Curry offers a budget-friendly option with a reliable and cost-effective linear mechanism. Whether you prefer the creamy, silky feel of the Blush or the snappy, polished feel of the EverFree Curry, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blush linear switch or the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force that offers a smooth, full, and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that still provides a smooth keystroke and reliable performance from a trusted brand, then the EverFree (EF) Curry switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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