Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The EverFree Curry is a linear switch that provides a budget-friendly option with Gateron's quality mold, delivering a smooth keystroke experience perfect for those looking for reliability and affordability. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch known for its silenced version that offers a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal sound, making it ideal for quieter environments. These switches differ in their characteristics, with the Curry being described as 'Snappy', 'Polished', 'Mild', while the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique characteristics that impact the sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointed and slightly high-pitched sound. Both materials offer a distinct sound experience, with the polycarbonate providing a resonant profile and the INK blend offering a clacky sound. Despite their differences, both materials are designed to enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry adds a deeper and fuller sound to the switch. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. Conversely, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black contributes to a similar high-pitched and clacky sound as its top housing. While the EverFree (EF) Curry showcases a more mellow sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Silent Ink Black maintains a consistent sound profile throughout both its top and bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a switch. The contrasting characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in the EverFree (EF) Curry and the proprietary INK blend in the Silent Ink Black demonstrate the versatility of different materials in creating unique typing experiences. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the clacky and high-pitched tones of the INK blend, each housing material offers a distinct sound profile that caters to individual preferences. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both fall within the medium range. The EverFree Curry has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. Similarly, the EverFree Curry has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams, making the Silent Ink Black the heavier of the two switches. The lighter actuation force of the EverFree Curry may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Ink Black offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches provide similar results due to their medium actuation and bottom out forces, the slight differences in weight may cater to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch. Despite this, it is worth noting that both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. Users can expect a shorter amount of travel distance compared to tactile switches, providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience overall.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 renowned for its standard mechanical switch sound, lacking any specific muted or quieter characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed specifically for a quieter typing experience, with a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer the traditional clacky sound of a standard switch or the softer, more subdued sound of a silenced switch depends on personal preference and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
As for the feel, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is described as snappy, polished, and mild, offering a responsive typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The typing experience with these switches is gentle and approachable, making them a comfortable choice for most users. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is characterized as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and easy key travel. Both switches offer a polished feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct advantages in sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the EverFree Curry switch provides a reliable and cost-effective option with a standard sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing environment with a cushioned bottom-out feel and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth keystroke and medium bottom out force, the EverFree Curry switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and are willing to invest a bit more, the Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you in your typing experience. Whether you prioritize smoothness, budget, or quietness, there is a Gateron linear switch out there that will suit your needs perfectly.
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