Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Everfree (EF) Curry both offer unique features that cater to different preferences while maintaining the quality associated with Gateron's sub-brand. The Everfree Cedar stands out for its smooth and reliable performance, characterized by a satisfying and poppy sound profile—ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing experience. On the other hand, the Everfree Curry emphasizes a snappy yet polished feel combined with a budget-friendly approach, making it an attractive option for those seeking both quality and affordability in their linear switches. Both switches showcase Gateron's trusted proprietary molding technology, assuring users of their durability and reliability. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, specifically in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which is crucial for achieving a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is a result of polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition, allowing for resonance and clarity that enhances the auditory experience of the switches. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, making both switch types particularly attractive for users who prioritize aesthetic customization in their mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, both the Cedar and Curry feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which introduces a stark contrast in sound profile characteristics. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, causing it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This unique sound quality is consistent across both switch models, as the nylon bottom housing serves to round out the sharper highs produced by the polycarbonate tops. The combination of these materials means that while the switches may differ in branding and aesthetics, they ultimately elicit similar audio sensations during use and provide a balanced auditory experience.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings of the Everfree Cedar and Curry highlights how similar materials can yield distinct yet cohesive results in sound and feel. When a user presses down on these switches, the nylon bottom housing reveals its deeper sound qualities, while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the higher frequencies that emerge when the key is released. Consequently, users can expect a harmonized auditory experience from both models, characterized by the crispness of the polycarbonate and the depth of the nylon. The unified yet diverse interplay of these respective materials exemplifies how the Cedar and Curry models cater to a wide range of preferences, while maintaining a signature sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Everfree (EF) Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the EverFree (EF) Curry is slightly lighter, needing only 50 grams to activate. This means users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Curry more suitable. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar is unknown, making it difficult to evaluate its overall typing experience fully in that regard. In contrast, the Curry switch has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a firmer feel upon keystroke completion. Consequently, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Curry for its defined feedback, whereas the Cedar may appeal to users who enjoy a heavier actuation without as much data on its lower force feedback. Overall, the Cedar is the heavier option in terms of actuation, whereas the Curry offers both a lighter activation and a well-defined bottom out sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Curry linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The EF Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the EF Curry features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Cedar the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers who favor faster actuation. In contrast, the Curry switch's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper keypress and a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Cedar catering to those who favor responsiveness and the Curry appealing to those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty input.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, which adds a pleasing auditory feedback during typing. However, the sound characteristics of the Everfree (EF) Curry are not specified, leaving it uncertain how they compare directly to the Cedar. It's worth noting that sound can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so users might experience different auditory results even with the same switches.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is described as providing smooth and reliable keystrokes, which is ideal for users looking for an efficient typing experience. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Curry offers a multidimensional tactile experience; it is characterized as snappy, which means it is super responsive, likely due to the design of its spring. The Curry also boasts a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel and minimal friction, alongside a mild typing experience that caters to a broad range of users. This combination allows for a refined yet gentle touch when typing, making it approachable for many typists.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Curry switches are positioned as reliable and budget-friendly options within Gateron's lineup. While the Cedar offers a distinct poppy sound profile and a smooth feel, the Curry combines snappy responsiveness with a polished finish, resulting in a gentle yet refined experience. Ultimately, both switches promise dependable performance, catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback while still providing cost-effective solutions for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switches, it's essential to consider your specific typing preferences and needs. If you're looking for a smooth and reliable performance without the distraction of a noticeable bottom-out force, the EF Cedar may be your ideal choice. Its poppy sound profile adds a satisfying auditory experience, making it a great fit for those who appreciate a quieter yet pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and polished feel with a medium-level bottom-out force, the EF Curry is likely the better option for you. Its snappy responsiveness and mild characteristics cater to users who desire a more engaging and lively typing experience while still maintaining a budget-friendly approach. In essence, choose the EF Cedar for a cost-effective, smooth ride and the EF Curry for a versatile, tactile feel that enhances your typing experience.
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