Akko Botany vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry offer contrasting characteristics that cater to various preferences and needs. The Botany switch is renowned for its crisp, lively clackiness, delivering an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry switches stand out as a budget-friendly option in the linear switch market, offering a smooth keystroke without compromising quality; this makes them ideal for users seeking reliability and value from a reputable brand like Gateron. While the Botany switch thrives on its expressive sound, the EverFree Curry emphasizes a more polished and mild typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches showcase contrasting approaches to housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and user experiences. The Botany switch features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. Nylon effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder, making for a more muted typing experience. Conversely, the EverFree switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, crisper sound due to its resonance properties. This difference results in a more pronounced typing sound when using the EverFree switch, as polycarbonate enhances clarity, particularly beneficial in setups featuring RGB lighting, where the light can shine through the clear housing.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches share a commonality, as they both use nylon. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel will evoke a deeper and fuller audio and tactile experience for both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent acoustic character whenever a key is pressed down, imparting the same softer sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback. Consequently, while the top housing of the EverFree offers a brighter acoustic element, both switches maintain a quality of deep sound through their nylon bottom, resulting in a more rounded overall experience when typing.
In summary, the differences between the Akko Botany and Gateron EverFree come down to their top housings, which influence the auditory responses during different phases of keypresses. Users will experience the defining characteristics of nylon in the support column and deepen felt feedback when bottoming out, allowing for a consistently full sound across both options. However, when it comes to releasing the keys, the EverFree's polycarbonate top housing will yield a sharper, more resonant sound compared to the rounder timbre offered by the Botany’s nylon top housing. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying typing feel through their shared bottom housing material, the choice between them will primarily impact the sound quality during key release phases.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a softer touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the EverFree Curry switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The additional weight provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who favor a firmer feel with each keystroke. Overall, the Akko Botany is the lighter choice, while the Gateron EverFree is heavier, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming comfort.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that pressing the Akko switch will yield a slightly shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers favor. In contrast, the Gateron switch’s longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced and hearty depth, appealing to those who appreciate a more tactile bottoming-out sensation. Therefore, if you prefer a quicker response time during your typing or gaming sessions, the Botany switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more deliberate and cushioned keystroke, the EverFree Curry may be the option for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch produces a crisp and lively clacky sound straight out of the box, which appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound profile sets it apart and can be quite engaging, making it suitable for those who prefer an audible keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry isn't specifically characterized by a distinct sound but is known for its value and reliability. The overall acoustic experience of the EverFree Curry will depend largely on the keyboard it is paired with and the keycaps used, which can influence how sound is perceived. Both switches may offer different auditory experiences based on setup, but the Botany's inherent clackiness will stand out more in a typical environment.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch is renowned for its smoothness, providing a flavorful tactile sensation that enhances the typing experience. However, specific attributes about its feel are not clearly stated. In comparison, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry delivers a snappy response, characterized by a lively typing experience due to its long or dual-staged springs. Additionally, it's noted for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, which can make typing effortless. The EF Curry is also described as mild, offering an approachable and balanced typing experience that suits a wide range of users. This combination of characteristics positions the EverFree Curry as an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and smooth experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko Botany and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches serve distinct preferences in the linear switch market. While the Botany offers a distinct and lively sound that can be favored for auditory feedback, the EverFree Curry excels in delivering a snappy and polished feel, making it a great value choice. If you desire a crisp sound, the Botany may be more fitting, yet if you're looking for a balanced and smooth typing experience, the EverFree Curry could be your go-to. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel, and with the right keyboard and keycaps, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Botany switch may be your best bet, especially if you appreciate a crisp, lively sound and a unique, clacky acoustic profile. This switch is particularly suited for typing enthusiasts who favor a responsive feel and want to make a statement with their keyboard's sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience and appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the EverFree (EF) Curry provides a polished and snappy response, delivering smooth keystrokes that feel refined and budget-friendly. If you're seeking reliability and value without sacrificing quality, this switch stands out as a dependable choice. Therefore, your decision should reflect whether you value lighter actuation and a distinct sound or if you prioritize a more solid feel and dependable performance.
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