Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The EverFree Curry switches, designed with a focus on affordability, promise smooth, reliable keystrokes without sacrificing quality, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who value performance. With a classification of 'Snappy,' 'Polished,' and 'Mild,' these linear switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience that can enhance both gaming and typing productivity. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for those who prioritize a quiet, serene environment while typing. With a balanced 53g actuation force, these switches provide a light yet satisfying keystroke, perfect for typists who appreciate a subtle auditory experience that evokes the gentle sound of raindrops. While both switches excel in their respective attributes—value and quietness—the choice between them ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. 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
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, one can immediately notice the differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles and overall acoustics. The EverFree (EF) Curry features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This material's transparency also pairs well with RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is constructed with a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and produces a deeper, fuller sound. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities lend themselves to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making them suitable for users seeking a more muted typing feel.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings; however, this presents a contrasting effect when coupled with their opposite top housing materials. The EverFree (EF) Curry's nylon bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of the Silent Sakura - 53g's top housing by providing that fuller sound profile. On the flip side, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom enhances the clarity and resonance typically associated with its counterpart's top housing. This split in material composition indicates that the switches will provide unique experiences depending on which aspect of typing—pressing down or releasing the key—is predominantly influencing the sound and feel.
Ultimately, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g have differing top and bottom housing materials, there are points of convergence that lead to similar results in terms of sound profiles. The nylon used in both bottom housings assures a complementary experience, making the transition from one switch to the other feel familiar when pressing the keys. However, the distinctive top housing materials—polycarbonate for the EverFree and nylon for the Silent Sakura—create a dynamic interplay of sound characteristics, allowing each switch to offer a unique typing experience. Thus, users who are aware of these subtleties will appreciate how the choices in housing materials contribute to their tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The EverFree Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Sakura's actuation force is lighter at 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Silent Sakura switch is easier to press initially, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the EverFree Curry, being heavier, might appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. While both switches operate within the medium range, the Silent Sakura, with its lower forces, is likely to provide a softer touch than the EverFree Curry. Overall, the differing actuation forces emphasize the preference-based nature of switch selection, where lighter options suit prolonged use and heavier options align with the desire for a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance travelled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring a consistent feel when typing or gaming.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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
The sound profile of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch is relatively understated but remains pleasant, offering a muted acoustic experience that aligns well with the desires of typists looking for a balanced yet unobtrusive sound. Its linear design translates into keystrokes that do not produce the distinct click or clack associated with tactile or clicky switches, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered to provide an exceptionally quiet typing experience. It’s reminiscent of the gentle patter of raindrops, reflecting its silent nature. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by additional factors like the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches excel due to their snappy response, polished finish, and mild characteristics. The snappiness contributes to a dynamic typing experience, while the polished nature ensures a smooth transition during key presses, ultimately reducing friction and enhancing overall comfort. The mild nature of these switches makes them approachable for a wide range of users, providing an overall balanced experience. The feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g remains unknown in this context, but given its design intention for a lighter keystroke and reduced sound, it likely creates a smooth and satisfying tactile feedback similar to the EverFree in terms of effectiveness, albeit with a different force requirement.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer appealing qualities for those entering the mechanical keyboard landscape. The EverFree Curry stands out for its excellent value, snappy feel, polished finish, and mild characteristics, making it a reliable choice for users who appreciate responsiveness and smooth typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a quiet experience with a balanced actuation force designed for comfort, making it an attractive option for those who value noise reduction. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction in their typing experiences, each bringing its unique advantages to the table.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that combines snappy responsiveness with a polished feel, the EverFree Curry would be a great choice—especially if you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that feels well-balanced and provides a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing quality. However, if you prioritize a quieter, almost serene typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch, with its lighter 53-gram bottom-out force, is ideal. These switches excel in delivering a whisper-quiet operation, making them perfect for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. In summary, consider the EverFree Curry for a more vibrant and tactile typing experience, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a gentle and discreet touch with every keystroke.
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