Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique characteristics worth exploring. The EF Curry is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly price, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for users. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch stands out for its captivating sound profile and distinct gliding feel, providing a luxurious typing experience. While the EF Curry is 'snappy', 'polished', and 'mild', the Sunset Yellow is 'bassy', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'polished', and 'thocky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The EF Curry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. However, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the EF Curry focusing on clarity and resonance, while the Sunset Yellow emphasizes a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the EF Curry's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile, adding to the overall unique auditory experience of the switch. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer a satisfying and pleasing sound profile that enhances typing and gaming sessions.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of each keystroke. The split between top and bottom housing materials in these switches allows for a combination of qualities that impact both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether opting for the EF Curry with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing or the Sunset Yellow with POM top and bottom housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles tailored to their preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials in these switches contribute to the overall performance and aesthetic appeal of each keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Sunset Yellow is the lighter option. The EverFree Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, marking it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow boasts an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow would be the better choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry provides a slightly heavier typing feel, which may be ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push when typing. Both switches offer a good balance between actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users with different preferences.
Travel distance
The EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Curry switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Sunset Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Curry switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preferences, with the Curry switch providing a deeper keypress experience while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a focus on smooth keystrokes rather than a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound, providing a more indulgent and rich typing experience reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and environment in which they are used.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch is characterized by its snappy and polished qualities, offering a responsive and refined typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel, thanks to the unique Ly stem and factory lube method, creating a smooth and effortless typing sensation that allows fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of responsiveness and smoothness.
Overall, while the EverFree (EF) Curry and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a quality typing experience that is sure to satisfy a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a focus on smooth keystrokes or a bassy, thocky sound with a creamy and frictionless feel, both switches provide reliable options for those seeking a budget-friendly yet high-quality linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch or the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth keystroke with a reliable and cost-effective option, the EverFree (EF) Curry would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a captivating sound profile and a unique gliding feel during typing, the Everglide Sunset Yellow would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, so be sure to consider your priorities in sound and feel when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.