Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the mechanical keyboard world, two popular switches that are often compared are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The EverFree Curry switches are highly regarded for providing excellent value in the linear switch market, offering a smooth keystroke experience at a budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the Taro switches are praised for their cozy typing experience, with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Curry switch is known for its snappy and polished feel, the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped sensation. 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
67g
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
No
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 housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Taro are very similar in construction, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material gives both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings, with the Curry utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Taro also featuring a nylon bottom housing.
The nylon bottom housing of both switches adds a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the sharper sound profile created by the polycarbonate top housing. While both the Curry and the Taro have similar bottom housings, the impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the crispness and clarity of the polycarbonate material.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Jwick Taro are quite similar in terms of their top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings. Both switches provide a unique sound profile thanks to their combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials, offering users a range of options depending on their preference for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound with the Curry or a deeper, fuller sound with the Taro, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different experiences to users. The EverFree (EF) Curry has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a smooth typing experience with a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, giving a tactile feel to each keystroke despite lacking a specified actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the EverFree Curry for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users who desire a more pronounced push feel might opt for the Jwick Taro for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that the EverFree Curry has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Taro the shorter option and the EverFree Curry the longer option. The EverFree Curry falls into the more traditional travel distance range of 4.0 mm, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Taro's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, but both can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience depending on individual preferences.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 EverFree (EF) Curry switches are known for a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a crisp and acute clack, providing a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches are described as snappy, polished, and mild, offering a super responsive and smooth typing experience with a gentle touch. In comparison, the Taro switches are said to provide a buttery and stepped feel, giving a smooth and fluid keystroke with a mild tactile sensation that allows for some pre-travel and post-travel feedback. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the EverFree (EF) Curry linear switches from Gateron provide a budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switches offer a cozy typing feel with a medium-level of tactility and a crisp clack sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound and feel, but users can expect quality performance from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth keystroke and reliable performance, the EverFree Curry would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility, a cozy typing experience, and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Taro would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for linear versus tactile switches and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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