Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry present intriguing options, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Huano Caramel Latte switches stand out with their medium weight of 50g bottom out, offering a bright, clacky sound profile that delivers a super smooth typing experience—making every keystroke feel robust and enjoyable. This switch attracts users who appreciate an audible feedback and a bit of flair in their typing experience, characterized by a silky feel that adds personality to each press. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches offer a more budget-friendly choice without sacrificing quality. With their snappy and polished performance, these linear switches are ideal for those seeking a reliable and economical solution for everyday use, particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize efficiency over sound. Both switches have their unique strengths; 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
55g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches, it's essential to note that they employ different materials for their top housing, while both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. The Caramel Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is lauded for its smoothness, durability, and strength. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it delivers exceptional performance, outperforming both POM and Nylon in heat resistance and durability. This not only helps create a pleasantly clacky sound profile but also ensures that the switches can withstand extensive usage without diminishing performance. In contrast, the EverFree Curry's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer material that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an appealing choice for those wanting to enhance RGB lighting effects in their keyboards.
On the other hand, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron EverFree Curry switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities. The rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing offers a more muted experience compared to the sharper sound of the POK and polycarbonate materials in the top housing. Despite disparate top material characteristics, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will still experience a satisfying key press, with a solid and well-rounded acoustic output, regardless of the switch's top housing.
Ultimately, the differing top materials lead to nuanced sound profiles and tactile experiences when utilizing the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron EverFree Curry switches. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes a smooth and clacky feel through its POK top housing, the EF Curry provides a crisper auditory feedback due to its polycarbonate top. However, the nylon bottom housing serves as a grounding element for both switches, imparting a consistent sensation and sound quality that complements the top housing's characteristics. Therefore, while users can expect distinct textures and auditory sensations from each switch, the shared nylon bottom ensures that there's an underlying harmony in their performance, allowing for satisfactory typing experiences across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the EverFree Curry requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch. This means the Caramel Latte is the lighter of the two, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as the reduced force can help minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry offers a more prominent tactile experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value a lighter touch or a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, the Caramel Latte measures 3.6 mm, while the EverFree (EF) Curry has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the EverFree (EF) Curry provides a longer travel experience, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Caramel Latte could be preferable for those seeking quicker key actuation and responsiveness, which can enhance performance in rapid gaming scenarios. In summary, if you favor a more traditional feel with a hearty depth, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry is the better option, whereas the Huano Caramel Latte is ideal for those who prefer a snappier response with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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 Huano Caramel Latte switch stands out with its bright, clacky sound profile, producing high-pitched and sharp auditory feedback. This characteristic can provide an engaging and lively typing experience, particularly favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response. In contrast, specific sound characteristics of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry have not been detailed in the provided information, making it challenging to directly compare their auditory appeal. However, it’s essential to note that the overall sound profile can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which might lead to varying auditory experiences with each switch.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switch delivers a silky experience, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing sensation that enhances the overall enjoyment of keystrokes. This lack of friction makes it a great choice for long typing sessions. The EverFree (EF) Curry, on the other hand, is characterized by its snappy, polished, and mild qualities. The snappy feel gives a responsive and lively touch, while the polished nature provides a refined finish that minimizes resistance, making the overall typing experience sleek and enjoyable. The mild aspect tailored for a comfortable experience suggests that it could cater to a broader user base, offering gentle feedback that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned typists.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte excels in its bright and clacky sound profile along with a silky tactile feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry presents a potentially compelling experience with its snappy, polished, and mild traits, though its auditory characteristics remain unspecified. Choosing between these two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel; both can deliver a satisfying experience, albeit in different ways. If you're looking for a lively sound and a smooth feel, the Caramel Latte is a strong contender. However, if you appreciate a quick and responsive typing experience, the EF Curry might be your ideal switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switches, you'll want to consider your specific typing preferences and environment. The Caramel Latte, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, is perfect for those who desire a smooth and silky typing experience alongside a bright and clacky sound profile. If you enjoy a light and responsive feel while typing, and appreciate a keystroke that feels lively and resonates with a sharp sound, then the Caramel Latte is likely your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, the EverFree (EF) Curry is a fantastic pick. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a snappier and polished typing feel, making them great for users who value responsiveness in their keystrokes. Their mild sound and tactile feedback make them more versatile for different typing environments, whether you're gaming or working. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the kind of typing experience you prefer, whether that's the lively expressiveness of the Caramel Latte or the dependable responsiveness of the EverFree Curry.
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