Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their distinct features and characteristics. The EverFree (EF) Curry stands out for its value in the linear switch market, providing a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches have been perfected by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness and familiar deep sound profile. The EF Curry switch is snappy, polished, and mild, while the MX Black is low-pitched, textured, and stiff. Each switch has its own advantages depending on your preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, creating a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound. This common feature results in a similar typing experience when it comes to sound quality between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Black. However, the differences arise in the top housing materials, with the EverFree (EF) Curry's polycarbonate top housing offering a more vibrant and resonant sound compared to the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound. These variations in sound profiles make each switch unique in its own way, catering to different sound preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, the qualities brought by the bottom and top housing materials are divided between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Black. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This division of characteristics emphasizes the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, fuller sound, the choice between the polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry and the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Black depends on your personal preference for sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch differ in weight. The EverFree EF Curry has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. Additionally, the EverFree EF Curry has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams while the MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the EverFree EF Curry offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the MX Black provides a heavier push feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance as the key goes from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of these switches is designed to provide a consistent and smooth typing experience for users. Whether you are using the Gateron EverFree Curry or the Cherry MX Black, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Everfree (EF) Curry linear switch offers a unique and yet-to-be-defined acoustic profile, making it an interesting option for those looking to add a bit of flair to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Depending on personal preference, either switch can offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound satisfaction.
Moving on to the feel, the Everfree (EF) Curry linear switch is characterized by its snappy and polished tactile response, providing a lively and refined typing experience for users who enjoy a responsive switch with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its textured and stiff feel, offering a distinct tactile feedback that requires a higher amount of force to actuate. Whether you prefer a more responsive and gentle typing experience or a slightly rougher and stiffer feel, both switches offer unique sensations that cater to different user preferences.
Overall, the Everfree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch present users with an interesting array of subjective qualities to consider when choosing their ideal mechanical keyboard switch. While the Everfree (EF) Curry switch offers a snappy and polished feel with an undefined sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch provides a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer reliable and cost-effective options from trusted manufacturers in the industry. Ultimately, users are likely to get similarly satisfactory results in terms of typing experience, with each switch offering its own distinctive characteristics to cater to a variety of preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the EverFree Curry if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. This switch provides a smooth keystroke and a reliable typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Cherry MX Black if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy the classic textured smoothness that Cherry has perfected with their Hyperglide tooling. Keep in mind that the EverFree Curry offers a snappy and polished feel, while the Cherry MX Black provides a textured and stiff typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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