Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The EverFree (EF) Curry is known for its budget-friendly option with a smooth linear mechanism, making it ideal for those looking for reliability and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a medium-light weighting for a subtle auditory feedback. While the Curry switch is 'Snappy', 'Polished', and 'Mild', the Kiki Red is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Bsun Kiki Red, one major difference lies in their top housing material. The EverFree (EF) Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the EverFree (EF) Curry offers a more vibrant and lively sound compared to the POM in the Kiki Red.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their bottom housing material. The EverFree (EF) Curry includes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Kiki Red also uses POM for its bottom housing, contributing to the switch's overall pleasing and unique sound profile. Both nylon and POM bring their own distinct qualities to the switches, with nylon offering a deeper sound compared to the relatively more muted sound from POM.
It's important to note that while the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Bsun Kiki Red differ, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of qualities in the sound profile and key feel of each switch. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences, catering to individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EverFree (EF) Curry has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a somewhat tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Kiki Red offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Kiki Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the EverFree (EF) Curry. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with each offering its unique benefits for different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the EverFree Curry. The EverFree Curry falls into the more traditional travel distance category, while the Kiki Red leans towards the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers may appreciate the Kiki Red for its faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the EverFree Curry with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch offers a pleasant and consistent typing experience with a balanced sound profile, suitable for users who prefer a quieter switch. Meanwhile, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is characterized by a distinctive clacky sound, providing a more audible and tactile typing feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a sharper and more pronounced key press.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is described as snappy, polished, and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile response. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel, highlighting its exceptionally smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance and a light actuation force for a comfortable typing session.
Overall, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Curry switch offers a more subdued sound and a gentle tactile response, the Kiki Red switch delivers a clacky sound and a smooth, effortless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound feedback and typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a medium bottom out force and a smooth keystroke from a trusted brand at a budget-friendly price point, the EverFree Curry may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a nuanced clacky sound, and a finely-tuned typing experience with all-POM housings and Ly stems for exceptional smoothness, the Kiki Red could be the perfect fit for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so consider your priorities when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the EverFree Curry and the Kiki Red boils down to your individual preferences for typing experience and switch characteristics.
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