Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch can be a daunting task, but with the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Grey, the choice becomes a bit easier. The EverFree (EF) Curry is a linear switch that provides a smooth and reliable typing experience, making it a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a trusted brand in the industry. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. While the EF Curry is known for its snappy and polished feel, the Silent Grey excels in providing a highly tactile experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in similar characteristics for both switches, with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate adds a visually appealing element to the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the EverFree (EF) Curry uses nylon while the Silent Grey utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Grey may yield a different sound experience due to the characteristics of the material.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housing, which gives them a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This distinction highlights the importance of considering the entire construction of a switch when evaluating its performance and characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the EverFree Curry has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Grey's heavier 65 grams. This difference means that the EverFree Curry provides a slightly lighter typing experience when fully pressed, while the Silent Grey offers a more substantial feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the EverFree Curry may be the better option, while those who enjoy a heavier push may gravitate towards the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches provide a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a similar typing experience on either switch. This means that users can expect a similar feel when typing on either the EverFree Curry or the Silent Grey switch in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. Overall, whether you prefer the linear feel of the EverFree Curry or the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm on both switches.
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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is known for its quiet operation, which can be an advantage for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is also designed to reduce noise while providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches excel in offering a quieter typing experience compared to their traditional counterparts, making them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is recognized for its snappy and polished characteristics, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience. This switch provides a unique blend of responsiveness and refined key travel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke, providing a tactile feel that is both satisfying and quiet. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Curry switch focusing more on responsiveness and the Silent Grey switch on tactile satisfaction.
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch each offer distinct qualities that cater to specific preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Curry switch provides a budget-friendly option with a smooth and responsive keystroke, the Silent Grey switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback with reduced noise. Choosing between the two depends on whether the user prioritizes a quieter typing experience or a more responsive and polished feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can expect reliable performance from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should base your decision on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and budget-friendly linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the EverFree Curry might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile and quiet typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Silent Grey switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so be sure to consider what matters most to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
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