Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry stand out as popular options with their unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively feedback paired with a creamy sensation. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry presents a linear mechanism that ensures a smooth keystroke, making it reliable and cost-effective. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lauded for its bouncy and snappy feel, the EverFree Curry is praised for its polished and mild characteristics. Both switches offer quality within a budget, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard world. 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
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the design and color options of the switches may vary, offering users different customization choices to suit their preferences.
In terms of bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. Similarly, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a more muted and subdued sound. Both switches showcase the versatility of nylon in enhancing the overall sound profile and tactile feedback for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch allows for a combination of qualities that impact the overall sound of the switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and customization options.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro at 55 grams and the EverFree Curry at 60 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the EverFree Curry offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the EverFree Curry. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the EverFree Curry provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel for those who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses. Both switches offer different travel distances to cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a shorter travel distance and the EverFree Curry providing a longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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
In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the EverFree (EF) Curry are not explicitly described, but linear switches typically produce a quieter and smoother sound compared to tactile switches, offering a more subtle typing experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accentuated, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, along with a lively rebound when pressed. In comparison, the EverFree (EF) Curry is characterized as snappy, polished, and mild, offering a super responsive and smooth typing experience with a gentle touch that is approachable to most users.
Considering all the available information, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches both offer excellent options within their respective categories. With the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivering a more pronounced tactile and audible experience, it may be preferred by users who appreciate a more engaging typing feedback. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Curry provides a reliable and cost-effective linear option with a smoother and quieter typing experience, suitable for those seeking a more subtle and understated feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer quality and performance within their specific characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a lively, audible feedback combined with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth keystroke and a reliable, cost-effective option in a linear switch, the EverFree (EF) Curry could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you prefer and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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