Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are two options worth exploring. The EF Curry stands out for its budget-friendly linear mechanism that offers a smooth keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution from a reputable brand like Gateron. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience with its silky feel. While the EF Curry is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Polished', 'Mild', the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky'. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The EverFree (EF) Curry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Lightning Silver V3 share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housings. This means that users can expect a consistent sharp and clear sound profile when pressing down on the keys of either switch. However, where the distinction lies is in the feel and sound when releasing a key. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon for the EF Curry or polycarbonate for the Lightning Silver V3, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released, providing a unique typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings that produce a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the EF Curry creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 maintains the crisp and resonant sound associated with this material. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. The EverFree Curry has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. This means that the EverFree Curry requires a slightly heavier touch to trigger a keystroke, while both switches offer the same resistance when fully pressed down. This difference in actuation force may lead to a slightly firmer typing experience on the EverFree Curry, while the Lightning Silver V3 may feel slightly lighter and easier to type on. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier actuation force is preferred.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the EverFree Curry. The shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4 mm travel distance of the EverFree Curry may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the EverFree Curry offering a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer more feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a quicker, more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference on travel distance and key feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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) Curry switch offers a smooth, consistent sound profile that is not overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, which can add a unique and satisfying auditory experience to your typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the quieter and more subtle sound of the EF Curry, while others may enjoy the crisp and percussive sound of the Lightning Silver V3.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch is described as snappy, polished, and mild, providing a responsive and refined typing experience with a gentle touch. On the contrary, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and seamless typing feel, but the Silkiness of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those seeking an extra level of smoothness in their keystrokes.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EF Curry provides a reliable and cost-effective linear switch option with a smooth keystroke, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with an exceptionally silky typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and setups will help determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are some key factors to keep in mind. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality with a smooth keystroke, the EF Curry is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and budget. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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