Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The EverFree Curry stands out in the linear switch market for providing exceptional value without compromising on quality. With its smooth keystroke, categorized as "Snappy," "Polished," and "Mild," it caters to those looking for a reliable and cost-effective option from a reputable brand. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is designed for those who seek a more robust typing experience, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This mechanical switch embodies a blend of sophistication and precise performance, making it suitable for users who appreciate a deeper tactile feedback. Both switches have their distinct appeals, whether you're drawn to the affordability and smoothness of the EverFree Curry or the refined auditory experience of the Xinhai (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a clear distinction is evident in their top housing materials. The EverFree (EF) Curry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which enhances the sound profile, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This stiffer plastic allows for sound to resonate clearly, making it ideal for users who favor a distinct and vibrant sound while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which delivers a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder tone. Consequently, users will observe a significant difference in sound characteristics depending on the choice of switch, with the EverFree favoring clarity and brightness and the Xinhai promoting warmth and depth.
Moving to the bottom housings of these switches, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Xinhai feature nylon materials. This similarity means that both switches will produce a fuller sound profile during key presses, as nylon contributes to the sound absorption and impact during the actuation of the key. Both switches will elicit that characteristic deeper and rounder sound that enthusiasts appreciate in switches. Thus, while the top and bottom housing differ in their materials, resulting in distinct auditory experiences when releasing the key, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the bottom-out experience remains consistent across both switches, emphasizing the deeper tones associated with this material.
In summary, the choice of top housing material fundamentally influences the typing experience with the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The polycarbonate top housing of the EverFree provides an engaging and lively sound, while the nylon top of the Xinhai offers a smoother, muted experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing consolidates their tonal output during the downward press, creating a harmonious balance between both switches despite their differences in the top material. Collectively, this analysis highlights how the interplay of different plastics can shape the auditory feedback and tactile sensations experienced by users.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches both exhibit medium actuation and bottom out forces, but they do have some notable differences. The EverFree Curry has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Xinhai Heavy requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This makes the EverFree Curry the lighter option, which could benefit users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions, such as those working at an office or engaging in long gaming marathons. Conversely, the heavier Xinhai Heavy may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, as the higher forces can provide a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches deliver similar typing experiences, the choice between them will hinge on personal preference for weight and resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects the preferences of different users; those who favor a more traditional typing experience with a substantial feel may gravitate toward the EverFree switch, which offers a more pronounced depth. In contrast, gamers or users seeking quicker response times might prefer the Xinhai switch due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. Overall, if you value a deeper typing experience, the EverFree switch is the better choice, whereas the Xinhai switch is suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch leans towards a more muted profile, echoing the general nature of budget-friendly linear switches, which often prioritize a quieter operation to appeal to a broader audience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a distinctive crispness due to its POM stem, resulting in a higher-pitched resonance. This characteristic provides a subtle sophistication to the acoustics, making it appealing for those who appreciate a little flair in their typing sounds. However, both switches' sound can be heavily influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, meaning that the overall auditory experience can vary significantly based on those choices.
In terms of feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry is characterized by its snappy responsiveness, which is typical of switches that have been designed with longer or dual-staged springs. This feature engenders a lively typing experience alongside a polished finish that reduces friction for smooth key travel. The gentle touch of the switch, described as mild, ensures that the typing experience is accessible, appealing to a wide range of users who might not prefer switches with more aggressive characteristics. The Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, does not have explicit information about its feel qualities, which leaves a gap in comparison. If it embodies the classic Xinhai feel, one might expect it to offer a distinct tactile experience, but specifics about its actuation, smoothness, or any unique mechanisms are unclear.
In summary, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switch presents a well-rounded option with a snappy, polished, and mild feel, ideal for those seeking reliable performance at an excellent value without excessive noise. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, on the other hand, stands out with its crisp sound profile, which can appeal to users looking for a bit more auditory excitement. While the EverFree shines with its tactile characteristics, the Xinhai’s appeal may ultimately hinge on its unspecified feel qualities. In making a choice between the two, one can expect the EverFree to deliver a solid and approachable experience while the Xinhai may cater to those who appreciate distinct sound and performance nuances.
Conclusion
In closing, choosing between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are seeking a smooth and reliable switch that delivers a polished and snappy typing experience at a budget-friendly price, the EverFree (EF) Curry is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it versatile for both casual typing and gaming, allowing for a more approachable feel that appeals to a broad audience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier and more pronounced keystroke, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, with its 62.5-gram bottom-out force, may be more to your liking. This switch combines a softer acoustic profile with a distinctively crisp resonance, making it well-suited for users who appreciate a sophisticated touch and enhanced performance in their key presses. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your priorities—whether that be value and approachability with the EverFree Curry or a more refined and heavier feel with the Xinhai Heavy.
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