Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to note their unique characteristics. The EF Curry is a linear switch that offers a budget-friendly yet high-quality option with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for users seeking reliability and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, and smooth, bouncy typing feel. While the EF Curry is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Polished', and 'Mild', the Luciola switch is characterized by being 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to different preferences; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Luciola both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The EverFree (EF) Curry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a slightly higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While they both provide unique sound experiences, the polycarbonate housing of the EF Curry offers a sharper sound compared to the slightly higher-pitched sound of the Luciola's INK blend top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the EverFree (EF) Curry uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing in providing a high-pitched and satisfying sound that is often described as clacky. While both switches offer unique sound profiles with their bottom housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of the EF Curry offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Luciola play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the EF Curry features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings to offer a clearer and deeper sound, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings to provide a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the EverFree (EF) Curry has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Luciola's actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the EverFree (EF) Curry will provide a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force for their specific typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Luciola the shorter option in terms of travel distance. The EverFree (EF) Curry, on the other hand, offers a slightly longer travel distance. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Luciola would be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the EverFree (EF) Curry would be the preferred option. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to different preferences in 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as having a unique "hollow" sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. While the Curry switch provides a more subtle and muted typing experience, the Luciola switch offers a more distinct and striking auditory feedback, making it a more noticeable option in quieter environments.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the EverFree (EF) Curry is known for its snappy and polished typing experience, offering a reliable and responsive key press. Similarly, the Luciola switch also boasts a snappy and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and uniform. Both switches offer a pleasant and consistent typing sensation, making them suitable options for long typing sessions or gaming use.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel characteristics of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Luciola linear switches, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in terms of auditory feedback and typing experience. The Curry switch leans towards a more quiet and subtle sound, with a snappy and polished feel, while the Luciola switch stands out with its unique hollow sound profile and buttery smooth typing sensation. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between these two switches based on their desired auditory and tactile feedback, knowing that they will get a reliable and quality linear switch experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet quality linear switch option that provides a smooth keystroke and reliable performance, the EverFree Curry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to switches with unique visual appeal due to their glow-in-the-dark feature, and prefer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a distinct sound profile, then the Luciola might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and visual aesthetics.
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