Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch stands out as an excellent value in the linear switch market, providing a smooth and polished keystroke that caters to budget-conscious users without sacrificing quality. Its snappy feedback makes it suitable for both gaming and typing, appealing to a wide range of users looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch, revived and enhanced with the MX2A generation features, carries a legacy of reliability that many enthusiasts cherish. Renowned for its responsive nature, it offers a premium feel that can elevate your typing experience, making it a preferred choice among serious gamers and typists alike. While both switches offer unique advantages—affordability and smoothness from the EverFree Curry versus the proven performance of the Cherry MX Orange—it's essential to dive deeper into their characteristics so you can make the most informed decision based on your personal preferences and usage needs.

By the numbers

Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$2.00

$1.99 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic performance and tactile experience. The EverFree (EF) Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, defined by its stiffness that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice of material not only creates an aesthetically pleasing translucent appearance ideal for RGB lighting but also enhances the switch's sound qualities, making it resonate more clearly during typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing that is softer and absorbs more sound, offering a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As a result, switches with polycarbonate tops, like the EverFree, will be perceived as having a brighter sound, while those with nylon tops, like the MX Orange, generate a warmer, more muffled audio signature.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is exclusively crafted from nylon for both the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Orange. This shared material contributes to a uniformity in sound impacting the bottom-out experience. With nylon's inherent properties of softness and sound absorption, both switches exhibit a deeper and rounder sound profile upon bottoming out, enhancing the tactile feedback during use. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect a consistent sound quality when pressing the switches due to the harmonizing effect of the nylon materials at the base.

In essence, while the top housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Orange diverges greatly, with polycarbonate contributing a different texture and sound profile than nylon, their identical nylon bottom housings establish a common ground. Therefore, users may find that the auditory experience when bottoming out provides a shared characteristic between the two switches, leveling the playing field in terms of sound depth. Ultimately, these unique and shared attributes highlight the relationship between housing materials and overall switch performance, where the characteristic traits of each material can create distinct auditory signatures while balancing the experience through common elements.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The EverFree Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Cherry MX Orange requires a slightly heftier 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the EverFree Curry is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, the EverFree Curry features a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a defined resistance at the end of its travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has an unknown bottom out force, which leaves room for speculation about its overall tactile experience. However, given the heavier actuation force of the MX Orange, it may appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing experience despite the uncertainty surrounding its bottom out characteristic. Overall, the EverFree Curry's lower actuation force makes it an attractive choice for users seeking comfort during prolonged use, while the Cherry MX Orange caters to those who appreciate a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that you can expect a consistent tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch, resulting in a comparable feel during typing or gaming. Since their travel distances are the same, users will likely experience similar actuation dynamics, allowing for a seamless transition between both switches without a noticeable difference in depth or feedback while in use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches isn’t specifically detailed, leaving their auditory experience somewhat open to individual interpretation. However, Gateron switches are generally known for their quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches, suggesting that the EF Curry may also fall into a similar subtle sound range. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, while also linear, carry a reputation for a somewhat distinct sound when pressed, though they are not as noisy as tactile alternatives. The overall auditory output of both switches will be influenced by the keyboard construction, keycaps, and typing style, but a general expectation would be a smoother, quieter experience with both options.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry shines with descriptors such as snappy, polished, and mild. The snappy nature of these switches indicates a highly responsive keystroke that can elevate the overall typing experience, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel that enhance comfort during prolonged use. The mild characteristics make them accessible and enjoyable for most typists, bridging the gap between performance and user-friendliness. In contrast, the specifics regarding the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches remain unspecified; however, they are notable for their delicate balance and smooth actuation as well. Users familiar with the Cherry lineup typically describe their switches as being reliable and consistent, which aligns with the overall expectations for linear switches.

In summary, while precise sound characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous for both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Cherry MX Orange switches, the feel of the EverFree Curry is clearly defined and geared towards creating a pleasant typing experience. If you're seeking superior responsiveness, a polished finish, and a mild yet approachable feel, the EF Curry may be an ideal choice. Despite the lack of specific descriptions for the MX Orange, their overall linear quality suggests that users can expect a comfortable typing experience as well. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results in a mechanical keyboard setup, delivering smooth keystrokes and responsiveness.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Cherry MX Orange switches, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you're looking for an economical option that doesn't skimp on quality, the EverFree Curry is an excellent choice. With its smooth keystroke and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, this switch is designed to provide a snappy and polished feel, making it a superb option for both typing and gaming. Its mild characteristics ensure that it's approachable for a wide range of users, whether you're new to mechanical keyboards or just seeking a reliable everyday option. On the other hand, if you're a fan of the original Cherry MX switches and are looking for something with an enhanced feel and proven reliability, the MX Orange might be your best bet—especially if tactile feedback is a priority for you, despite the uncertainty around its bottom-out force. Ultimately, both switches deliver exceptional performance, but the EF Curry shines in versatility and value, ideal for budget-conscious users, while the MX Orange caters to those who appreciate a bit more history and refinement in their typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry Linear

$2.00

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more