Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree Curry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The EverFree Curry is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly price and smooth keystrokes, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for users looking for a trustworthy brand in the industry. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight that caters to a wide range of users seeking an enjoyable typing experience. 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
59g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue show similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches exhibit a translucent appearance, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the EverFree (EF) Curry differs with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch results in unique typing experiences.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinct acoustic characteristics based on their top and bottom housing compositions. The nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Curry enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Moreover, the contrasting properties of the bottom and top housings further highlight the diverse tactile responses and auditory feedback that these switches can provide.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue demonstrate how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile and appearance, the EverFree (EF) Curry's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound, contrasting with the Tourmaline Blue's crisper sound produced by its polycarbonate bottom housing. By understanding the impact of housing materials on typing experiences, enthusiasts can choose switches that align with their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier option. The EverFree Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Both switches provide a similar typing experience, with the EverFree Curry offering a slightly lighter touch compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can impact typing comfort and fatigue during extended use. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the EverFree Curry for longer typing sessions, while others may gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Tourmaline Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preference for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience with their identical travel distances, providing a familiar feel for users regardless of which one they choose. Whether you opt for the EF Curry or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a similar keypress experience in terms of 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound that can enhance the typing experience, creating a more immersive feeling while typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switch is known for its snappy and polished characteristics, offering a responsive and smooth typing experience. Additionally, it provides a mild feel that falls in a comfortable middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. On the contrary, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance. Like the Curry switch, it also offers a mild typing experience suitable for most users.
Overall, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Curry switch provides a reliable and cost-effective option with a neutral sound profile and a snappy, polished feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch delivers a deep, thocky sound and a buttery, easy-to-press feel for a more immersive typing experience. Depending on personal preference and usage, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience that best aligns with your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a snappy, polished, and mild typing experience, the EverFree Curry switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style, so consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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