HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy 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 HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry offer distinct options that cater to different preferences. The HMX Deep Navy is renowned for its sharp, rich sound profile and silkiness with every keystroke, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch is perfect for those who value an auditory experience and a smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to elevate their keyboard experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree Curry switches shine as a budget-friendly linear switch, providing exceptional value without compromising on quality. With a polished, snappy, and mild actuation, these switches are ideal for users seeking reliability and performance at a more accessible price point. While both switches offer unique benefits and cater to different types of users, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, influencing their overall sound profiles. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. Due to nylon's softer composition, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. As polycarbonate allows for greater clarity and resonance, the differences in sound are pronounced, making it ideal for those seeking a more vibrant auditory feedback from their switches.
Interestingly, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material creates a common ground between the two switches, eliciting that characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon. Because the bottom housing exerts a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, both switches retain similar qualities in this aspect. Thus, despite the contrasting top housings that significantly affect the overall sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing allows for a comparable experience when it comes to the tactile sound and feel during key presses.
Ultimately, the integration of different materials for the top and bottom housings leads to a rich interplay between sound and feel in both switch designs. While the Deep Navy provides a duller auditory experience thanks to its nylon top, the EF Curry’s polycarbonate top allows for a crisp and bright sound. However, retaining nylon on the bottom housing ensures that both switches share a common quality that can unify the typing experience. Therefore, users who appreciate a deeper sound may find the overall feel of both switches appealing, regardless of the contrasting auditory properties brought forth by the top housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, we see a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch has a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This difference indicates that the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the EverFree is the heavier choice. Consequently, users seeking a swift and less strenuous keystroke will gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those desiring a stronger push feel will likely prefer the EverFree.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, there is a notable difference in travel distance. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the EverFree (EF) Curry, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a slightly more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers who favor quicker key actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the EverFree switch provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, as 4.0 mm is considered the standard for many users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, those who prioritize briskness might lean towards the HMX Deep Navy, while users who enjoy greater depth and a more tactile feel may find the Gateron EverFree Curry more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch is renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, a characteristic that is enhanced by its full nylon construction. This design choice contributes to a more subdued yet crisp acoustic feedback, making every keystroke a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry isn't explicitly detailed, these switches are designed to provide a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. As with any mechanical switches, the overall sound produced can be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, so users may find a similar overall result in sound quality between the two switches depending on their setups.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switches excel with their silky smoothness, attributed to the Ly stem, which promises an exceptionally fluid typing experience. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches embody a trifecta of characteristics: they are snappy, polished, and mild. The snappy nature of these switches delivers a responsive and lively feel, while the polished aspects ensure a refined and smooth key travel, resulting in reduced friction. The mildness of the EverFree Curry provides a gentle typing experience that remains approachable, making it versatile for various typing styles and preferences. Thus, while the Deep Navy focuses on smoothness, the EverFree Curry offers a balanced mix of responsiveness and comfort.
Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches bring unique attributes to the table. The Deep Navy stands out for its rich sound and ultra-smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who value those aspects. Meanwhile, the EverFree Curry combines snappy responsiveness with polished smoothness while remaining budget-friendly, catering to those who seek quality without breaking the bank. Both switches may suit different preferences, but they can ultimately lead to satisfying typing experiences, depending on individual tastes and setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch, your preferences and typing style will be key factors. If you value a lighter keystroke and are drawn to an exceptional sound profile, the Deep Navy switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it perfect for extended typing sessions, particularly for those who prioritize comfort and a smooth, silent experience, enhanced further by its full nylon construction. The silky smoothness of the Ly stem also offers a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate quality in their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you're looking for a robust, budget-friendly option that still performs admirably, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch is an excellent fit. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a snappy, polished action, it provides a reliable typing feel that's great for both casual users and gamers alike. The EverFree Curry is designed to provide both value and performance without compromising on quality, making it a fantastic choice if you seek a well-rounded switch that balances responsiveness with comfort. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by what you prioritize in your typing experience: the luxury and smoothness of the Deep Navy for a refined touch, or the snappy dependability of the EverFree Curry for a more energetic feel.
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