Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Akko Rosewood offer distinctive experiences, each catering to different preferences. The EverFree Curry switches are celebrated for their excellent value and reliability, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious users who still desire a premium feel in their typing experience. With a snappy and polished keystroke, they deliver a consistent performance typists and gamers can appreciate without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches stand out for their rich, thocky sound profile, which is heightened by a factory-applied lubricant, providing an auditory pleasure alongside a smooth linear action. While both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, they cater to varying tastes—whether you prioritize value and reliability or an engaging auditory feedback. 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
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Akko Rosewood switches, a significant distinction arises in their top housings. The EF Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and resulting sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy clear auditory feedback and vibrant RGB lighting since polycarbonate's translucency allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This inherent quality of nylon results in a duller and rounder acoustic experience, making the switch feel and sound fundamentally different when typing.
However, when focusing on the bottom housings, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and Akko Rosewood share a common material: nylon. This similarity yields a comparable auditory experience as both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound when the key bottoms out, ensuring that despite the differences in the top housings, users can still expect a consistent trait when typing that elicits a rounded acoustic feedback. Therefore, when pressed, both switches will deliver a significant and pleasurable typing experience rooted in the sound and feel of their nylon bottom parts.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition between the top housing materials serves to highlight the distinctive nature of the two switches. The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry’s polycarbonate top offers a bright and resonant sound, especially advantageous for RGB setups, while the Akko Rosewood’s nylon top fosters a more muted yet rich auditory experience. The resulting interplay of these materials assures that although they produce different overall sounds when typing, the commonality of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a closer connection through their shared acoustic properties. Users can expect an interesting combination of experiences depending on their preferences, which could equally cater to both vibrant and subdued sound profiles, appealing to a diverse range of tactile needs.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The EF Curry requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rosewood is noticeably lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Rosewood more suitable for typists who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, the heavier EF Curry may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that feels lighter and requires less force to actuate, the Akko Rosewood would be the better choice, while the Gateron EF Curry offers a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, which means that the distance from the top to the bottom of each switch is the same. When engaging either switch, users can expect a similar feel as both switches require the same amount of downward force to actuate. This uniformity in travel distance contributes to a consistent typing experience, allowing users to achieve similar results in their keystrokes, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches do not have a clearly defined sound profile mentioned, which leaves their auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, the Akko Rosewood switches are noted for producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant. This thocky characteristic not only contributes to an engaging acoustic experience but is also likely very appealing to typists who favor a more resonant sound while typing. Deciding between these two switches may ultimately come down to the board and keycaps used, as those factors can significantly influence the overall sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches are characterized as snappy, polished, and mild. This combination creates a typing experience that is responsive and smooth, perfect for users who appreciate a refined keystroke without overwhelming feedback. The snappy nature indicates that they offer quick actuation, while the polished feel adds to the overall comfort of typing. In contrast, the feel qualities of the Akko Rosewood switches are not specified, leaving an open question about their tactile response and overall typing experience. Thus, while the EverFree (EF) Curry switches provide a well-rounded sensation, the Rosewood switches remain an unknown in this regard.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches offer a compelling option for those seeking an accessible and smooth typing experience, enhanced by snappy responsiveness and a polished feel. Their sound, however, remains less defined than the deep thocky sound of the Akko Rosewood switches, which are sure to attract those who appreciate rich acoustics. While the choice between these two may hinge on personal preferences, particularly in the auditory and tactile domains, the EverFree switches provide a more predictable typing experience, making them a solid entry-level choice in the linear switch market.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a responsive and polished typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the EverFree (EF) Curry is your go-to option. This switch provides a smooth keystroke that is ideal for those who enjoy a more direct feel and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and are drawn to the unique auditory experience of a deeper, thocky sound, then the Rosewood switch should be at the top of your list. The Rosewood's factory-applied lubricant enhances its feel, creating a delightful typing experience that is both tactile and acoustically pleasing. In summary, choose the EverFree (EF) Curry for a balanced and snappy performance, while the Akko Rosewood will satisfy those who cherish a lighter touch and richer sound.
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