Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves pondering the merits of tactile versus linear switches, such as the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which provides satisfying feedback during typing, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic experience and the rewarding sound of an expressive keypress. In contrast, the EverFree Curry's linear nature offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it a go-to for users who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Additionally, the EverFree Curry stands out as a budget-friendly option from a reputable manufacturer, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. While both switches have unique characteristics catering to different preferences, it's essential to consider your typing style and priorities when making a selection. 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
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry, one striking similarity stands out: both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is characterized by its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the auditory experience while typing or gaming. The translucency of polycarbonate top housings is particularly appealing for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting, as it effectively diffuses light for a vibrant display. Therefore, not only do these switches share a consistent sound quality due to their identical top housing material, but they also deliver equally satisfying visual effects when paired with RGB setups, making them a solid choice for enthusiasts looking for both aesthetic and acoustic advantages.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches showcase a different aspect of their design. Both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the EverFree (EF) Curry feature nylon for their bottom housings. This material, known for its softer nature, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than the harder polycarbonate used in the top. When the switch is pressed, the nylon bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, leading to a more rounded auditory experience. While both switches have complementary materials—polycarbonate for clarity in the top housing and nylon for richness in the base—the blending of these two materials allows each switch to offer a unique combination of auditory properties.
Ultimately, the distinct sound characteristics of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry are achieved by how their different housing materials interact. The upper polycarbonate housing ensures a bright and resonant sound when the key is released, while the nylon at the bottom softens the impact and tailors the bottom-out experience, providing a more rounded auditory sensation. Thus, while the top housings of both switches are the same and produce similar results in sound clarity, the combination with nylon in the bottom housing introduces a divergence in the overall acoustic profile. For users who appreciate nuanced sound dynamics in their keyboard experience, both switches effectively highlight how different materials can work together to create complementary auditory qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who favor a more robust and substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you choose the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, you'll benefit from less fatigue over long periods of use, while the Gateron EverFree Curry provides a firmer feedback, which some typists and gamers might prefer for its tactile presence. Overall, the Akko V3 is the lighter option, while the Gateron EverFree is the heavier choice among the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, notable differences emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the EverFree Curry features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 1 mm difference signifies that the Creamy Purple Pro offers a shallower keypress, which many gamers favor for quicker response times, whereas the EverFree Curry provides a deeper and more pronounced feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while those who favor a traditional typing sensation might lean towards the EverFree Curry.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a loud signature with a bassier pitch, giving it a pronounced auditory presence that can be satisfying for those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches have not been specified; however, as a linear switch, it typically might produce a quieter and more subdued sound compared to a tactile switch like the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. Sound perception is also heavily influenced by the keyboard build and keycap materials, meaning the acoustic qualities can vary considerably beyond just the switches themselves.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a significant tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it enjoyable for users who relish a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Curry is described as snappy, polished, and mild. The snappiness of the Curry switch contributes to a responsive typing feel, while its polished construction ensures smooth key travel with minimal friction. The mildness of the switch indicates that it's designed to be approachable, providing a more gentle overall experience that may appeal to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience along with a noticeable sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro will deliver on both fronts, albeit with a level of noise that may not be suitable for quieter environments. Conversely, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience without the pronounced sound, catering more to users seeking quiet reliability. Both switches serve different preferences effectively, allowing newcomers to choose based on their typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy tactile feedback and prefer a more pronounced response with each keystroke, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the ideal option for you. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and invigorating tactile bump offer an engaging typing experience, especially if you appreciate a louder sound signature that has a bassier pitch. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists who derive satisfaction from feeling and hearing each keypress, making it a great choice for writers or heavy typists who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron EverFree Curry is likely the better pick. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, you can expect a snappy and polished feel, making it very responsive and satisfying for fast-paced typing or gaming. This linear switch offers a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality, making it a great choice for gamers or those who value a seamless and quiet typing experience. In summary, choose the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for tactile enthusiasts who enjoy a lively feel and sound. Opt for the EverFree Curry if you prefer smooth, responsive actuation and a more subdued auditory profile.
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