Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, boasts a light operating force of 45g and provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its gentle and comfortable feel, coupled with a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, makes it an appealing option for those who prioritize a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Curry, a linear switch, offers a smooth keystroke and represents excellent value in the linear switch market. Ideal for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution, the Curry switches from Gateron provide a snappy and polished typing experience. 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
4.00 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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry, it is evident that both switches feature unique properties in their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both its top and bottom housing, leading to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the EF Curry incorporates polycarbonate in its top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Additionally, the Curry's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition compared to the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Crystal Violet and the EF Curry offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for users. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing provides a softer typing experience with a low-pitched sound, while the Curry's polycarbonate top housing delivers a crisper and more resonant sound profile. Similarly, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to its overall sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the EF Curry absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. Overall, the choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Furthermore, the impact of the housing materials is evident during key presses and releases, with the qualities of the top and bottom housings influencing the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics are more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, upon releasing a key, the top housing's properties become more apparent, shaping the sound produced. While the Crystal Violet and EF Curry differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, with the Crystal Violet requiring 45 grams and the Curry needing 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Violet also has a lighter touch at 55 grams compared to the Curry's 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category, with the Crystal Violet leaning towards the lighter side while the Curry is slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Crystal Violet, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Curry. Either way, both switches provide a balanced combination of actuation and bottom out forces for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the EverFree Curry, you can rely on a similar keypress feel and actuation point. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a standard travel distance, allowing for smooth and precise keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, sound information for the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is not provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet is described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a smooth, gentle, and tactile typing experience with a two-stage feel. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry is described as snappy, polished, and mild, providing a responsive and polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Violet has a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy and stepped feel, the Curry switch is known for its responsiveness, polished finish, and mild typing experience. Overall, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing style and preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options in their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering which switch to choose between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light operating force and a gentle, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth keystroke and reliable performance, the EverFree (EF) Curry could be the better option. Consider your desired feel and sound profile when making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Violet and the EverFree (EF) Curry depends on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
