Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, there are clear distinctions that set them apart. The EverFree Curry is a linear switch that offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, providing a smooth and reliable keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is praised for its innovative semi-silent design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. While both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a buttery feel that sets it apart. 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, despite their similarities in sound profile, the aesthetics may differ as the EverFree (EF) Curry boasts a translucent appearance, while the Semi-Silent Linear may have a different visual appeal.
On the other hand, when it comes to the nylon bottom housings of the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Semi-Silent Linear, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality when typing on these switches. This can provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter and more muffled sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
In terms of overall feel and sound, the housing materials of the switches play a significant role in the user experience. While both switches have their unique characteristics and qualities brought by their respective housing materials, the split between the top and bottom housings can affect how the sound is perceived when typing. The bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users may prefer one housing material over the other based on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have some similarities and differences. The EverFree (EF) Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62 grams, also falling into the medium category. In terms of weight, both switches offer a medium level of resistance, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between light and heavy switches. The actuation force and bottom out force play key roles in determining the typing experience, with lighter forces being more suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier forces providing a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with slight differences in their force profiles.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the EverFree switch. The difference may not be significant in terms of performance, as both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Jwick switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the EverFree switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, each catering to different preferences regarding travel distance.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch provides a specific auditory experience unique to its design, offering a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is designed to produce a more subdued and neutral sound, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. The Curry switch may offer a more distinct typing sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch is known for its snappy and polished typing experience, giving users a responsive and smooth keystroke feel. The switch offers a slightly more pronounced typing experience while maintaining an approachable and middle-ground quality in sound and feel. Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience, along with a buttery and polished feel, resulting in a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a balanced and responsive feel, catering to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch differ in their sound and feel qualities, providing unique typing experiences for users. The Curry switch is known for its distinctive sound profile and snappy feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound and buttery feel. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality performance and a reliable typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve similar results with either option based on their individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality and enjoy a smooth keystroke, the EverFree Curry linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for an innovative switch with a semi-silent topping-out sound and a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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