Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact your overall satisfaction. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches, renowned for their impressive value, offer a snappy and polished feel with mild resistance, making them an excellent budget-friendly option for users looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches deliver a unique low-pitched, thocky sound profile complemented by a super smooth keystroke, thanks to meticulous factory lube and a lightweight 42g actuation force. For those prioritizing a tactile auditory experience, the Jelly may be the ideal choice, while the EverFree Curry appeals to users seeking reliability at an economical price. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Jelly switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, highlighting the impact these materials have on sound profiles. The EF Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic results in a more resonant and clear auditory experience when the key is released. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it a preferred choice for keyboard enthusiasts who wish to showcase RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition. As a result, the Jelly offers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, providing a distinct auditory experience compared to the EF Curry’s sharper notes.
Interestingly, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which diminishes the audible differences created by their respective top housings. The nylon material used in both switches contributes to a consistent, deeper, and rounder sound profile that users can expect regardless of the top housing material. As a result, when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a similar sensation due to the sound-absorbing quality of the nylon bottom, reinforcing a fuller auditory resonance. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that any acoustic nuances introduced by the top housing are balanced out to create a cohesive sound experience when the keys are bottomed out.
In terms of performance and feel, the contrasting top housing materials of the EverFree (EF) Curry and HMX Jelly provide different tactile feedback and sound characteristics when a key is released and bottomed out. Users of the EF Curry may find satisfaction in the crisp sound produced upon releasing the key, complemented by the deep resonance from the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Jelly's nylon top housing delivers a mellow and rounded sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in the EF Curry versus the total nylon construction in the Jelly offers distinct user experiences, creating a balance between sound clarity and tonal depth across both switches.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The EverFree Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which makes it ideal for those seeking a softer touch and prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, the Jelly is lighter, while the EverFree Curry is heavier. Users who prefer a heavier switch might gravitate toward the EverFree for its more pronounced tactile feedback, while those who enjoy a lighter touch will likely favor the Jelly for its ease of use during long periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is clear that the EverFree Curry, with its travel distance of 4 mm, offers a longer stroke compared to the Jelly switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference means that those who favor switches with a more pronounced depth will likely prefer the EverFree Curry, providing a more substantial feel during key presses. On the other hand, the Jelly's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers seeking rapid responsiveness, allowing for quicker actuation over the more traditional depth of the EverFree switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: if you appreciate a hearty depth in your switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry would be the better option, whereas the HMX Jelly might be ideal for those who favor a snappier, more reactive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 produced by the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches is characterized as neutral and unobtrusive, which makes them suitable for both office environments and personal use where quiet typing is preferred. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches feature a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which can be more satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback when typing. This distinction leads to a notable difference in how each switch might be perceived in various settings; while the EverFree Curry offers a more subdued experience, the Jelly switches deliver a more pronounced acoustic profile that might appeal to those looking for a distinct auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches are commendably snappy and polished, resulting in a typing experience that is both responsive and refined. The snappiness trait enhances the user's interaction with the keyboard, making typing feel lively, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel, reducing friction during operation. Furthermore, described as mild, these switches fall into a comfortable middle ground, balancing responsiveness with a gentle typing experience. The Jelly switches, although specific feel characteristics are unknown, are noted for their smoothness due to excellent factory lubrication combined with a lightweight actuation force of 42g. This generally suggests a typing experience that some might find easier on the fingers, but without more detailed descriptors, a direct comparison remains tentative.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and HMX Jelly linear switches serve distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The EverFree Curry offers a more neutral sound and a responsive, polished feel that is approachable for many users. In contrast, the Jelly's thocky sound profile, coupled with a lightweight touch, appeals to those who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback. If you're exploring linear switches, either choice provides quality performance, but your specific preferences for sound and feel will ultimately guide your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Jelly linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a snappy, polished feel while typing, the EverFree Curry is a great option, particularly if you're looking for a budget-friendly yet high-quality switch. Its smooth keystrokes and mild sound profile make it suitable for both everyday typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the HMX Jelly switch offers a deeper, thocky sound and an incredibly smooth experience thanks to its exceptional factory lube. This switch is ideal if you’re looking for a more tactile experience with lighter keystrokes, making it perfect for casual use or extended typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the aural experience you desire to make the best choice between these two unique options.
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