Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, some key differences arise. The EverFree Curry is praised for its smooth and polished keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective linear switch option. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for its satisfying click sound, providing a tactile feedback that some users prefer. While the EverFree Curry offers a snappy and mild typing experience, the Spring Breeze brings a unique tactile feel to each keystroke. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
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 and the Outemu Spring Breeze both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The EverFree (EF) Curry uses a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Spring Breeze use nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound when typing on these switches. Even though the housing materials for the top and bottom differ for each switch, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key.
While the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Spring Breeze have different housing materials for their top housings, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry creates a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deeper sound profile when typing. Overall, choosing between these switches would depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound with the EverFree (EF) Curry or a deeper sound with the Spring Breeze.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Spring Breeze is the lighter of the two switches. The EverFree (EF) Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Spring Breeze, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-light range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. While the EverFree (EF) Curry provides a more substantial typing experience with slightly heavier forces, the Spring Breeze offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar amount of key travel, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of distance. The EverFree (EF) Curry and the Spring Breeze switches provide consistent tactile feedback and actuation force, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a standard key travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a travel distance that allows for comfortable and accurate typing.
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 Spring Breeze 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
Overall, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch stands out for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly price point, making it a reliable option for those looking for a cost-effective solution from a trusted brand like Gateron. In terms of sound, the subjective qualities of the EF Curry switch are not specified, while the Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound profile is also not specified. When it comes to feel, the EF Curry switch is known for its snappy, polished, and mild characteristics, offering a responsive and refined typing experience that falls within a comfortable middle-ground zone for most users. The subjective qualities of the Spring Breeze switch in terms of feel are not specified.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offer their own unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the sound profiles of both switches remain unknown, the EF Curry switch's smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly price point make it a reliable choice for those seeking a cost-effective solution from a reputable brand. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Spring Breeze switch are not specified, leaving it up to personal preference for users seeking a clicky switch option. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth keystroke and medium bottom out force, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry is a reliable option to consider. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback, the Outemu Spring Breeze might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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