HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options. The HMX Cloud - 50g offers a unique typing experience with its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, catering to those who appreciate a lively, engaging feel while typing. Its silky smooth operation makes it an appealing choice for users seeking a bright auditory feedback and responsive performance. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry provides a reliable and budget-friendly alternative, thanks to Gateron’s proprietary mold and quality craftsmanship. Known for its snappy and polished keystrokes, this switch promises a smooth experience without sacrificing affordability; a perfect option for those who prioritize both value and reliability in their typing experience. While both switches offer a linear feel, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry, notable differences can be observed in the top housing materials utilized by each switch. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic helps absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, delivering a distinctively bright auditory feedback, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate RGB lighting due to its translucent quality.
The bottom housing of both switches showcases an intriguing similarity, as both the Cloud - 50g and the EverFree (EF) Curry utilize nylon. This shared material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The soft plastic nature of nylon effectively absorbs the impact sound, regardless of the differences in the top housing. As a result, while the top housing affects the key release sound, the bottom housing provides a solid foundation for the experience, allowing users to enjoy a harmonious mix of sound profiles specialized for both typing and releasing commands.
Ultimately, the combined attributes of the housing materials in both switches lead to an interesting interaction of sound profiles. While the Cloud - 50g's nylon top housing and the EverFree (EF) Curry's polycarbonate top housing create distinct typing experiences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a common auditory thread. This means that users will get similar results in terms of the bottoming-out sound and feel while experiencing the unique characteristics brought by the top housings of each switch. Thus, regardless of the material differences, both switches can yield satisfying typing experiences through their thoughtfully paired combinations of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the EverFree Curry switch has a firmer actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Cloud's bottom out force is 50 grams, which is still relatively light, while the EverFree Curry has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cloud switch is overall lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in a softer typing experience compared to the medium-weight EverFree Curry switch, which may appeal to those looking for a more tactile and responsive feel while typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, the Cloud features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the EverFree Curry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This places the Cloud - 50g in the category of a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more rapid key presses. In contrast, the EverFree Curry, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing or gaming, offering a deeper engagement with each key press. Ultimately, users will need to decide between the more responsive Cloud - 50g and the more substantial feel of the EverFree Curry, depending on their personal preferences for depth and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
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 HMX Cloud - 50g switch produces a clacky profile that enthusiasts appreciate for its bright and engaging auditory feedback. This makes it particularly enjoyable for users who revel in a pronounced acoustic signature while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch does not have its sound explicitly characterized, but it is essential to recognize that the sound of any switch can be impacted by its mounting on a keyboard, as well as the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while the Cloud - 50g offers a defined sound, the EverFree Curry’s sound qualities remain more ambiguous.
When discussing feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is well-regarded for its silky smoothness, making each keystroke feel seamless and fluid. This characteristic is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch boasts a trio of appealing qualities: it is described as snappy, which adds a responsive and lively feel to each press; polished, indicating a smooth, refined finish that contributes to reduced friction; and mild, offering a gentler typing experience that is approachable for most users. Together, these traits create a reliable and enjoyable experience, though they diverge from the Cloud - 50g’s more singular emphasis on smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g excels in sound with its clacky profile and smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a bright and seamless typing experience. In contrast, the EverFree Curry offers a diverse tactile experience with its snappy, polished, and mild characteristics, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking quality. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and a silky feel or a versatile and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a clackier sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a bright and engaging typing experience. Its 50g actuation force and silky smooth feel make it ideal for those who find comfort in lighter switches while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a reliable and budget-friendly option, the Gateron EverFree Curry, with its 60g actuation force, offers a snappy, polished, and mild feel. This switch may appeal to you if you prefer a slightly firmer response while still enjoying smooth keystrokes, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or intense gaming. By understanding these nuances, you can better determine which switch aligns with your typing preferences and elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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