Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Mountain Top, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The EverFree Curry switch is praised for its exceptional value in the linear switch market, offering a smooth keystroke and budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron is designed specifically for office environments, providing a quiet and discreet typing experience with a light actuation. While the EverFree Curry is known for being snappy and polished, the Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Mountain Top, one significant difference lies in the top housing material used. The EverFree (EF) Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This contrasts with the Mountain Top's nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the EverFree (EF) Curry's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing offers a more classic feel with its distinctive sound profile.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Mountain Top share similarities as they both utilize nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. While the top housing may have more impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In essence, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall sound profile and feel of typing. The EverFree (EF) Curry's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a harmonious blend of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Mountain Top's consistent use of nylon offers a classic typing experience with a fuller sound. Whether one prefers the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the softer tones of nylon, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and Mountain Top switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving distinct sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the EverFree Curry requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key, while the Mountain Top only needs 50 grams. This means that the EverFree Curry provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, while the Mountain Top offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. Those who enjoy a lighter actuation force may find the Mountain Top more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users seeking a bit more resistance may prefer the EverFree Curry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The EverFree Curry offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Mountain Top provides a slightly shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Mountain Top for its quicker response times due to the shorter travel distance, while individuals looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the EverFree Curry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch provides a neutral typing experience, making it suitable for most purposes whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered to offer a quiet typing experience with a subdued sound profile, emphasizing discretion in office environments. Both switches offer a balanced sound signature that is not overly loud, ensuring a peaceful typing experience for the user.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch is described as snappy, polished, and mild, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with a gentle feel. The Gateron Mountain Top switch, on the other hand, is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a lively and responsive typing feel with minimal force required to activate the keys. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel, with the Curry switch focusing on a refined and smooth experience, while the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The EF Curry switch provides a neutral sound profile and a polished, snappy feel, ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly yet reliable linear switch option. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch delivers a quiet and subtle sound profile with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, designed for discreet and comfortable typing in office environments. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a tailored typing experience that best suits their requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a smooth keystroke and reliable performance, the EverFree Curry switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you require a light actuation force for a quiet and discreet typing experience, particularly in office environments, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics designed to cater to different user preferences, so make sure to consider your typing style and environment before making your decision.
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