Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The EF Curry, a linear switch from Gateron's EverFree sub-brand, is praised for its smooth keystrokes, budget-friendly price, and reliable performance. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch from PH Studio boasts a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Curry's snappy and polished feel and the Milk Tea's clacky and resonant characteristics, ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and typing habits. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
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
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The EverFree Curry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the EverFree Curry's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and rounder sound, the Milk Tea also utilizes POM material for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the EverFree Curry and the Milk Tea both prioritize creating a satisfying and unique typing experience for users. The use of polycarbonate in the EverFree Curry's top housing offers a crisp sound profile that is distinctly different from the deeper sound produced by the POM material in the Milk Tea. However, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, whether it be through a sharper sound with the EverFree Curry or a more subdued sound with the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the EverFree Curry and the Milk Tea each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch allows for a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate of the EverFree Curry or the softer POM of the Milk Tea, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. Both switches have a relatively close bottom out force, with the Curry at 60 grams and the Milk Tea at 43.5 grams. The EverFree (EF) Curry offers a more medium weight experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing, while the Milk Tea provides a lighter touch that may be more conducive to longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. When comparing the two, it is clear that the Milk Tea has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying feel to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, providing a subtle and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch produces a unique clacky sound with a high-pitched tone, adding a crisp and percussive element to each keystroke. While the Curry switch offers a more subdued auditory experience, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its distinctive and lively sound profile. Both switches will provide different sound characteristics that cater to individual preferences, with the Curry switch appealing to those who prefer a more muted typing sound and the Milk Tea switch suited for those who enjoy a sharper and more prominent auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is described as snappy and polished, offering a responsive and refined keystroke that feels alive and smooth. In comparison, the Milk Tea switch also boasts a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, the Milk Tea switch is characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing sensation with minimized resistance during key presses and releases. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, with the Curry switch offering a slightly snappier feel and the Milk Tea switch delivering a silky smooth typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Curry switch offers a reliable and budget-friendly option with a quiet and smooth operation, ideal for those seeking a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a distinct auditory blend with its clacky and high-pitched sound, paired with a polished and silky feel for effortless typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a tailored typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel of each switch. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and smooth keystrokes at a budget-friendly price point, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams, a unique auditory blend with high-pitched yet muted tones, and an effortless typing experience designed for prolonged use, then the Milk Tea switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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