Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options that stand out are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Huano Matcha Latte V2. The EverFree Curry switches are celebrated for their value, providing a smooth keystroke experience that ensures reliability without breaking the bank. Their 'snappy', 'polished', and 'mild' characteristics make them an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who still desire quality from a trusted brand like Gateron. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches excel with their subtle linear feel, offering a delightful balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out experience. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches promise a premium typing performance while remaining accessible in terms of cost. Both options cater to different preferences and budgets, showcasing the diverse landscape of linear switches available today. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$2.00

$1.99 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, notable differences emerge, especially in the top housing. The EverFree (EF) Curry utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for delivering a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which allows sound waves to travel with clarity, resulting in a crisper audio experience. Additionally, its translucent nature is advantageous for RGB lighting setups, emphasizing visual aesthetics alongside auditory characteristics. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing. Not only does POK boast superior durability and smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction, but it also contributes to a distinct sound that is categorized as clacky and lively in nature. While both materials excel in their unique ways, the EverFree's polycarbonate will appeal to those prioritizing sound clarity, while the Matcha Latte's POK aligns more with durability and smooth actuation.

Regarding the bottom housings, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize nylon, a widely favored choice among keyboard enthusiasts. Nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound effectively, promoting a deeper and fuller auditory experience during keypresses. Since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, they share a common trait in delivering a more muted and rounded sound profile when bottoming out. This alignment in material ensures that users will experience similar acoustic characteristics in the deeper tones of both switches, anchoring their sound profiles in the familiar warmth associated with nylon.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and a shared bottom housing material results in distinct yet complementary auditory experiences in these switches. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry’s polycarbonate top offers sharper clarity, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2’s POK top emphasizes smooth actuation and durability. However, since both incorporate nylon at the bottom, they retain that classic full-bodied sound when pressed. This divergence in top housing materials means that users can achieve varied sound profiles depending on their choice, while still enjoying the robust, deeper undertones that nylon consistently produces across both switches.

Weight

The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch present a notable contrast in actuation force, with the EverFree requiring a force of 50 grams to activate a keystroke, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference makes the Matcha Latte V2 more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, facilitating longer typing sessions and reducing fatigue during extended use. In terms of bottom out forces, the EverFree Curry has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a firmer feedback as they press down. The bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that aspect. Overall, while the EverFree Curry offers a medium-weight option with a slightly heavier actuation and clear bottom out force, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a lighter actuation that may appeal to users looking for ease during prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The EverFree (EF) Curry features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the EverFree the choice for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming, providing a hearty depth that's typical of traditional switches. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, your selection will depend on your preference for either a deeper feel or a more responsive action, with the EverFree being the longer option and the Matcha Latte V2 being the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches share a relatively muted profile typical of linear switches, resulting in a quieter typing experience. The EverFree Curry's sound may not draw much attention, allowing it to blend seamlessly into a variety of environments, making it suitable for office usage or shared spaces. Similarly, the Matcha Latte V2 operates with a subtlety that encourages a calm typing atmosphere, allowing the focus to remain on the act of typing rather than the audible feedback. It's important to note that the overall acoustics are also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycap material, so both switches can maintain a low sound level, regardless of individual preferences.

When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches excel with their snappiness, providing a responsive typing experience that can make fast-paced typing feel lively and engaging. Their polished finish ensures a smooth keystroke, which minimizes friction and enhances the overall sensation during use. The combination of these attributes results in a mild and approachable switch that caters to a wide range of users. On the other hand, while specific descriptors for the Matcha Latte V2's feel are not provided, it's known for its smooth and subtle performance with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. If both switches are similar in their fluidity, users can expect a pleasant tactile experience regardless of their choice.

Overall, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches provide solid quality at budget-friendly prices. They each offer a silent operation that suits a quiet working environment, while the EverFree Curry shines with its snappy and polished attributes, ideal for users who enjoy a more active typing experience. Meanwhile, the Matcha Latte V2 promises a smooth and composed sensation with lesser information on its specific feel. Ultimately, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option, but the EverFree Curry may cater slightly more to those who appreciate enhanced responsiveness and refined smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage context. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, the EverFree (EF) Curry is an excellent choice. With its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, it provides a snappy and polished feel, making it very responsive and suitable for both gaming and typing scenarios. Its mild characteristics ensure a gentle yet engaging typing experience, which can cater to various efforts without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother keystroke and a little more luxury in your typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 might be the way to go. It features generous factory lubrication, resulting in minimal stem wobble and a delightful balance of lightness with a solid bottom-out feel. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate a premium typing experience, potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or a quieter office environment. By weighing these factors—budget versus premium experience, durability versus smoothness—you'll be well-equipped to choose the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry Linear

$2.00

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more