Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer distinct advantages, catering to different user preferences. The EverFree Curry shines as a budget-friendly, linear switch that doesn’t skimp on quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking reliability and smooth keystrokes in a cost-effective package. With characteristics described as "Snappy" and "Polished," this switch appeals to users who prioritize a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch sets itself apart with its unique POK material, providing a remarkably smooth and creamy feel akin to its namesake dessert. This switch not only offers a "Buttery" typing sensation but also features a distinctive high-pitched acoustic profile, making it an ideal pick for typists who enjoy an engaging and dynamic sound during use. Ultimately, while both switches serve the linear preference, they cater to different aspects of tactile satisfaction and auditory feedback. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches differentiate themselves significantly, particularly with their top housing materials. The EverFree's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance in auditory feedback. This quality is especially beneficial for users keen on RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate boosts the visual effect of illuminated keys. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary blend dubbed the KTT blend, which incorporates “special mixed materials.” This unique formulation similarly aims for a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, yet it remains ambiguous how it compares directly to the exact frequency responses offered by polycarbonate. Despite some parallels in intention, the differences in material characteristics suggest they might achieve similar results through different mechanisms.
Delving into the bottom housings, the materials diverge even more distinctly. The EverFree (EF) Curry features a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound experience due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a distinct auditory profile characterized by a duller, rounder tone, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who enjoy this sound signature. Alternatively, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for POK (polyketone) for its bottom housing, offering impressive durability, wear resistance, and smoothness. While POK contributes to a clacky sound profile too, its high coefficient of friction makes it one of the smoothest materials available, thus encouraging speedy keystrokes. Here, the differences are clear: nylon creates a mellower audio backdrop, whereas POK drives a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials results in unique sound profiles for both switches. The EverFree (EF) Curry's polycarbonate top emphasizes a brighter, cleaner sound when releasing keys, while its nylon bottom provides a fuller sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream balances its proprietary top housing with the durability and smoothness of POK for a cohesive auditory experience that pushes more toward clackiness. While users can find satisfaction in both switches, the blending of materials ultimately creates distinct experiences that cater to different preferences—be it the clarity and visual appeal of polycarbonate or the robust, smooth, and durable characteristics of POK.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct preferences for different users. The EverFree Curry features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a heavier, more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is designed with a lighter touch, having an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream ideal for those who seek a more effortless typing experience, particularly advantageous during long work sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the EverFree Curry is the heavier option, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter choice, giving users clear distinctions to consider based on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see a clear distinction in their travel distances. The EverFree Curry features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference suggests that the EverFree Curry may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to users who prefer a greater depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, those who favor the quicker response times often associated with shorter travel distances might find the Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable for their needs. Given these characteristics, if you appreciate a more responsive feel during typing or gaming, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream would be the better choice, whereas for a full, more substantial keystroke, the EverFree Curry would be preferred.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 is less characterized in the information provided, making it difficult to offer a direct comparison. However, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile. The sharp and crisp auditory experience it provides caters to those who prefer lighter, high-pitched sounds over the deeper, bassy tones found in some other switches. Thus, for users who value sound clarity and high-frequency responses, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more defined and energetic typing experience.
When examining the feel of these switches, the EverFree (EF) Curry is praised for its snappy, polished, and mild qualities. The snappiness indicates a responsive keystroke that can enhance typing speed and accuracy while the polished finish ensures a smooth operation, promoting reduced friction during use. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is described as buttery and creamy, suggesting a smooth and seamless typing experience that may be considered even more fluid than the EverFree Curry. While both switches promise excellent smoothness, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a sensation that some users may find more luxurious and effortless compared to the polished yet mildly characterized feel of the EverFree.
In conclusion, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry offers a reliable, snappy, and polished typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream sets itself apart with a super smooth, buttery texture and a bright sound profile. The EverFree Curry presents a more traditional yet quality-driven linear switch option, while the Vanilla Ice Cream leans into an exceptional experience that combines a unique sound signature with an ultra-smooth feel. Users will find that while both switches provide high-quality performance, the choice ultimately falls to personal preference regarding the auditory and tactile characteristics they desire from their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and what you value in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a polished, snappy feel along with a refined yet approachable sound profile, the EverFree Curry may be your ideal companion. It’s particularly well-suited for users seeking a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter actuation force that offers a buttery, creamy typing sensation with a high-pitched, marbly sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switches are likely more appealing to you. Their unique material composition guarantees a smooth, effortless keystroke that many typists relish, especially in extended typing sessions. Thus, your decision should reflect not just on tactile feedback and actuation force, but also on your auditory preferences and overall typing experience. Whether you gravitate towards the reliability of the EF Curry or the appealing smoothness and sound character of the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches stand out in their own right, catering to different tastes in the world of mechanical keyboards.
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