Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The EverFree Curry is a linear switch known for its smooth keystroke and budget-friendly price point without compromising quality, making it ideal for those seeking reliability. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and distinct dry, wispiness, and airiness typing experience. Despite its weightless feel, this switch provides an easy-to-press experience with a hollow sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Durock Sea Glass, we can see that both switches offer unique qualities. The EverFree Curry's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which offers a more pleasant and brighter sound. However, both materials have their advantages - polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear, resonant sound, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend provides a unique blend that enhances the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the EverFree Curry's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing provides a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Both materials have their own characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience, with nylon absorbing more sound for a duller sound, and the blend offering a pleasant and unique sound profile.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the EverFree Curry and Sea Glass switches may differ, they each bring their own unique qualities to the table. Whether it's the sharper, clearer sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, fuller sound profile of the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a distinct typing experience. Similarly, the Sea Glass's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both the top and bottom housing provides a pleasant and bright sound profile that sets it apart from other switches on the market.
Weight
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have medium actuation and bottom out forces, with the EF Curry being slightly heavier in both categories. The EF Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Sea Glass requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke but will feel slightly heavier when fully pressed compared to the EF Curry. Both switches offer a balance between a lighter typing experience for longer use and a heavier, more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The EverFree Curry is slightly longer than the Sea Glass, providing a slightly deeper key press experience. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred for quicker response times, making the Sea Glass a good choice for gamers. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry may be ideal for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel and travel distance, catering to individual preferences when it comes to typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 linear switch is described as possessing a subtle yet satisfying sound profile, offering a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a distinct auditory feedback that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will vary based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is often praised for its snappy and polished characteristics, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience that is both lively and refined. Additionally, the mild nature of these switches ensures a comfortable typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a frictionless and feathery feel, making key presses effortless and light. This easy-to-press switch also ensures minimal finger fatigue, ideal for prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The EverFree Curry switches provide a budget-friendly option with a smooth keystroke and pleasant sound profile, while the Sea Glass switches stand out with their distinctive hollow sound and weightless feel. Depending on whether you prefer a snappy and polished typing experience or a frictionless and feathery feel, you can achieve similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction with either of these high-quality linear switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the EverFree Curry switches from Gateron may be the way to go. They offer a smooth keystroke and a snappy, polished, and mild typing experience. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the captivating pastel colors and distinct dry, wispiness of the Sea Glass switches from Durock, along with a weightless and frictionless feel, then those may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, consider your priorities in terms of value, typing experience, and aesthetics when making your decision between these two excellent linear switch options.
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