Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The EverFree Curry, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth keystrokes, making it a dependable choice for those who prioritize quiet operation and a seamless typing experience. With its cost-effective pricing and solid performance, it's an excellent option for users looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, known for its clicky feedback, caters to typists who thrive on auditory and tactile engagement, adding an element of satisfaction with every keystroke. While the EverFree switches excel in providing a polished and snappy feel, the Outemu Gold offers a lively click that enthusiasts often seek in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 and the Outemu Gold both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in comparable sound profiles characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, which promotes a crisper sound that resonates well during key presses. This acoustic quality is particularly appealing for users who prioritize auditory feedback, especially in RGB-lit setups, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows light to shine through vividly. Consequently, both switches are expected to produce similar auditory results when activated, making them great choices for typists who favor a brighter sound during use.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are crafted from nylon, a material renowned for its softer characteristics. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Outemu Gold both leverage nylon's sound-absorption properties to deliver a deeper and fuller acoustic experience when the keys bottom out. The inherent softness of nylon dampens the sound better than harder plastics would, which contributes to a rounder and less aggressive audio profile. While the top housing enhances the brightness of the sound produced during key release, the nylon bottom housing embodies a rich and muted auditory response that comes into play during keystrokes. Thus, instead of conflicting, the distinct auditory qualities from the two materials complement each other, creating a balanced typing experience.
When considering the overall performance of the EverFree (EF) Curry and Outemu Gold, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms means that typists will enjoy a blend of sound profiles unique yet harmoniously integrated. The high-pitched clarity imparted by the polycarbonate top caps balances beautifully with the deeper, fuller tones produced by their nylon bottoms. Users can expect a well-rounded auditory feedback mechanism that reflects the characteristics of the material used in each housing. Therefore, while the finishes differ in terms of individual material properties, both switches ultimately offer a cohesive typing and gaming experience that highlights the strengths of their compositions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, we find some interesting differences. The EF Curry requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gold switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Gold switch preferable for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer periods of use with less finger fatigue. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, meaning that while the EF Curry requires a bit more force to trigger a key press, both switches bottom out at the same level, providing a similar tactile experience when fully pressed. In summary, the EverFree (EF) Curry is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel, while the Outemu Gold is the lighter choice, perfect for users seeking comfort during extended usage.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and keypress depth when using either switch. Whether one prefers a linear or clicky feel, both switches will deliver the same experience regarding the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. Consequently, if you prioritize a specific travel distance in your typing experience, both switches will yield similar results in this regard.
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 Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 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 EverFree (EF) Curry switch provides a quiet typing experience typical of linear switches, which means it minimizes audible noise during keystrokes—a significant advantage in office environments or shared spaces. Conversely, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is likely to produce a distinct clicking sound with each keystroke, providing auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile while typing. The difference in sound between these two switches will offer users varied experiences depending on their preferences, with the EverFree (EF) Curry favoring discretion and the Gold appealing to users who appreciate the clicky auditory response.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch offers a combination of snappy responsiveness, polished smoothness, and a mild typing experience. This results in a lively yet effortless keystroke that many users find enjoyable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. The snappy response contributes to a satisfying tactile sensation without being overwhelming, while the polished finish ensures friction is minimized, allowing for smoother key travel. Currently, no detailed descriptions are available for the Outemu Gold clicky switch, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in terms of feel. It is known, however, that clicky switches generally have a tactile bump that signifies a key press, which may provide a different typing experience altogether.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch emerges as a strong contender in the linear category, offering a quiet, smooth, and responsive experience that is enhanced by its polished finish. Meanwhile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch seems to cater to users who enjoy a more vocal and tactile feedback during their typing activities. The distinctions in sound and feel between the two switches highlight user preferences—whether one seeks a silent and smooth operation or a more interactive and audible typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific typing style and environmental needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. The EverFree Curry, with its smooth and polished feel coupled with a mild typing experience, is an ideal option if you prioritize a quiet, seamless keystroke for tasks such as programming, writing, or casual gaming. Its responsiveness and overall comfort make it a great choice for long typing sessions where you want to minimize fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the characteristic sound of a click while typing, you may find the Outemu Gold clicky switch more satisfying. The audible feedback can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate the rhythmic sound that signifies each key press. Ultimately, if you're looking for smoothness and a polished touch, lean towards the EverFree Curry; however, if the joy of a clicky sound energizes your typing, then the Outemu Gold might be the better fit for you.
Mentioned in this article
