Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the type of switch you choose can significantly influence your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out for their clicky nature, offering users a satisfying tactile feedback and a distinctive audible click with each keystroke, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more interactive experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches present a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, categorized as linear, which appeals to those who prefer a quieter operation and fluid keypresses, ideal for gaming or long typing sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages: the Box White V2 for its engaging feedback and sound, and the EverFree Curry for its reliability and affordability in the linear switch market. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience, as this material is inherently stiffer than many other plastics. This shared material choice enhances the overall performance of both switches, especially in scenarios where RGB lighting is employed, making the switches not only aesthetically pleasing but also sonically appealing. Users can expect similar acoustic qualities due to this commonality, showcasing the potential for a bright and resonant sound when both switches are implemented.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches differ, with both switches featuring nylon as their respective material. The nylon bottom housing significantly influences the typing experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the top housing. The inherent softness of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the distinct sound characteristics produced by the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom lead to unique acoustic responses during typing and bottoming out. This divergence highlights the importance of material composition in determining how a switch feels and sounds during use.
When considering the totality of the switches, the interplay between the rigid polycarbonate tops and the soft nylon bottoms defines their sound profiles and tactile experiences. Users can expect an engaging typing experience with the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry, as both designs leverage their materials to create a balance of auditory elements. With a polyurethane top promoting treble clarity and a nylon bottom deepening the bass, both switches offer a nuanced experience. Therefore, while they share similarities in their top materials, the differences in the bottom housings grant each switch its unique character while still providing an overall satisfying auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry offers a medium push feel with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the EverFree Curry is heavier, reflecting their respective strengths in user preference scenarios.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Box White V2 offers a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prefer shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. Conversely, the EverFree Curry, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial tactile experience that some users might find preferable for typing or gaming, as it allows for a deeper actuation. In summary, if you value quicker response times, the Box White V2 is the better choice, whereas the EverFree Curry is suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a distinctive auditory experience characterized by their crisp and sharp click. This click sound is not just loud, but it also offers a satisfying feedback loop that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches are designed to be quiet, lacking the pronounced click inherent in clicky switches. As linear switches, they offer a muted sound profile that is ideal for environments where noise could be a concern. Remember, the final sound output can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material, so variations may occur.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are known for their tactile feedback, which provides a sense of assurance with each keypress, making them particularly satisfying for typing. The tactile bump is quite definite, allowing users to know when a key has been actuated. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches provide a smooth and refined experience. Described as snappy, polished, and mild, these characteristics contribute to a typing experience that feels lively and responsive without being overwhelming. The lack of tactile bumps means the keystrokes flow seamlessly, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a smooth action over tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you're looking for an audible click and tactile response, the Box White V2 excels in that category. Conversely, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience without compromising quality, the EverFree Curry is a solid choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options can lead to enjoyable typing experiences but in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile experience accompanied by a satisfying audible click, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and crisp feedback make it particularly appealing for typists who favor responsiveness and might find the enhanced sound and tactile layer beneficial for both work and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter environment or are looking for a smoother, more linear keystroke, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch is a strong candidate. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams and a reputation for being snappy yet polished, it provides a reliable and smooth typing experience without the noise that clicky switches produce. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you: the tactile and auditory feedback of the Box White V2 or the smoothness and subtlety of the EverFree Curry, as both offer unique features tailored to different keyboard users’ needs.
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