Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer their own unique advantages. The EverFree Curry from Gateron is a linear switch that provides a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. It offers a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those looking for reliability and affordability. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver, also a linear switch, features a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, perfect for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While both switches have their benefits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Yellow Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The EverFree Curry boasts a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Yellow Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound. Despite their shared polycarbonate top housings, these switches present varying bottom housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of sound profiles, the EverFree Curry's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. However, both switches share the same benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, particularly when it comes to illuminating RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper sound profile, with the EverFree Curry and the Yellow Silver providing a fuller typing experience that absorbs more sound for a quieter bottom-out.
Overall, the EverFree Curry and the Yellow Silver showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and feel in mechanical switches. While their polycarbonate top housings deliver distinct sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with crisper tones or a rounder sound with a duller impact, both switches provide unique characteristics to cater to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch contributes to a well-rounded typing experience that satisfies various user preferences.
Weight
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the EF Curry requires 60 grams while the Yellow Silver needs 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, while individuals who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Gateron EverFree Curry switch. Regardless of the slight differences in force, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing intensity.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches in terms of travel distance, it is evident that users can expect similar results when pressing down on the keys. The consistent 4 mm travel distance ensures a reliable and familiar typing experience for both switches. Whether using the Gateron EverFree Curry or the Outemu Yellow Silver, users can enjoy the same level of key press feedback and tactile response due to their identical travel distances.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 EverFree (EF) Curry and Yellow Silver switches both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of users and environments. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the EverFree (EF) Curry is praised for its snappy and polished characteristics, offering a responsive and refined typing experience. The mild feel of the switch ensures a comfortable and approachable typing feel for most users. On the other hand, the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown, meaning that the specifics of its tactile feedback and typing experience remain to be determined.
Overall, both the EverFree (EF) Curry and Yellow Silver switches offer budget-friendly options with quality linear mechanisms that provide smooth keystrokes. While the EverFree (EF) Curry excels in providing a snappy and polished typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for users seeking speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and specific typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth keystroke at a budget-friendly price point, the EverFree Curry switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable, especially for gaming and typing purposes. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits, so make sure to choose based on your individual preferences and usage scenarios.
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