Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The EverFree Curry, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing experience. Best known for offering a budget-friendly alternative without skimping on quality, this switch is ideal for those looking for reliability from a reputable brand. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out as a tactile switch, distinguished by its unique sound profile and pronounced tactile bump that provides a luxurious typing sensation. This switch is designed for users who enjoy a more interactive feedback while typing, enhancing the overall experience with its “thock”—an auditory delight for those who appreciate sound alongside performance. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilize distinct materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The EverFree features a polycarbonate top, recognized for its stiffness and clarity, creating a sharper and more resonant audio experience. This does not only amplify the higher-pitched notes but also enhances the RGB lighting effect owing to its translucency. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary Gazzew blend, sometimes referred to as “boba plastic,” which offers a richer and deeper sound profile. This difference in material formulation leads to contrasting auditory experiences; while the EverFree excels in providing a crisper tone, the U4Tx enriches the acoustics with its soft sound characteristics.
Both switches incorporate nylon and a proprietary Gazzew blend in their bottom housings, showcasing a unifying trait that contributes to a fuller, deeper sound experience. The nylon used in the EverFree bottom housing is a traditional choice, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, which facilitates a more rounded auditory profile. Similarly, the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx RGB bottom housing is designed to deliver a rich sound, achieving a similar effect due to its softness. Despite differences in their top housing materials, the nylon and Gazzew blends in the bottom housing allow users to experience a deeper audio quality with both switches, highlighting the role the bottom housing plays in the overall sound output.
Ultimately, the design choices regarding the housing materials in both switch types result in a distinct interaction of acoustics and feel. The EverFree’s sharper top housing complements its softer nylon bottom, generating a sound profile that accentuates clarity when key travel ends. Comparatively, the U4Tx RGB’s softer top housing harmonizes with its bottom housing to create an enveloping sound experience that softens the impact of typing. Even though the top and bottom housings differ, the combination of materials allows both switches to provide satisfying auditory results. Thus, users can achieve a harmonious typing experience with either, albeit with subtle distinctions in sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range for typing feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. When comparing the two, the EverFree Curry is notably lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the U4Tx's higher bottom out force suggests that while it may require a bit more effort to press all the way down, it can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer key feel. Thus, the key differences lie in the actuation force preference—where the EverFree offers a lighter feel versus the U4Tx's heftier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the EverFree switch offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press, providing a sense of heft and satisfaction with each stroke. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4Tx switch caters more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel, which can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Consequently, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the U4Tx RGB is the better choice, whereas the EverFree Curry switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial key press.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches produce a muted acoustic profile typical of linear switches, which means they generally lack the pronounced click or thock sound of tactile or clicky switches. While they prioritize a smooth and quiet operation, the final sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, potentially making them feel more understated. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch delivers a satisfying deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quieter sound at the top of the keystroke, which creates a luxurious audio experience. The combination of these sound characteristics makes the U4Tx RGB more appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback while maintaining a level of stealth during operation.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry switches exhibit a snappy response attributed to their well-engineered longer or dual-staged springs, which contribute to a lively typing experience. Furthermore, these switches are polished, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal friction, enhancing their overall tactile quality. Their mild characteristics add to the approachable nature of the typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switches feature a sharp tactile bump that distinguishes their feel, providing a more pronounced feedback during typing. This tactile sensation, combined with their "thocky" bottoming out, fosters a more luxurious and engaging experience, attracting users who appreciate tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switches and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches cater to different preferences based on sound and feel. While the EverFree offers a smooth and quiet type experience with responsive and polished action, the U4Tx RGB stands out for its deep, resonant sound and sharp tactile bump. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a linear feel with a subtler audio profile or a tactile experience enriched by satisfying sound dynamics. Both options have their unique strengths, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns closely with their typing preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches ultimately hinges on your preferences for feel, sound, and the type of usage you envision. If you’re looking for a smooth and reliable linear experience at an affordable price, the EF Curry switches with their snappy, polished, and mild characteristics serve as an excellent choice, particularly for typing and gaming where you value quick response times without distracting noise. However, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a deep 'thock' sound profile and a distinct bump that provides tactile feedback while typing, then the U4Tx RGB switches will suit you better. Their medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams delivers a more substantial feel, making them ideal for users who enjoy a luxurious typing experience and don’t mind a bit of a louder sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and functional requirements, whether it be for work or leisure.
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