Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch that offers a clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the EverFree Curry is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and budget-friendly price point, making it an ideal choice for those looking for reliability without breaking the bank. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry provide distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Bamboo Green's PBT top housing offers a neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor dull, while the EverFree (EF) Curry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green is more suited for a smoother typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the EF Curry offers a more precise and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the EF Curry produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
While the PBT and polycarbonate housing materials offer different sound profiles and typing experiences in the Bamboo Green and EF Curry switches, both switches provide unique benefits based on their housing materials. The PBT housing of the Bamboo Green provides a more consistent and neutral typing experience, while the polycarbonate housing of the EF Curry offers a sharper and more pronounced sound profile, especially with RGB lighting. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users who appreciate quality and distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Bamboo Green requiring 43 grams and the EF Curry needing 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the EF Curry's 60 grams. While both switches fall into the medium category, the Bamboo Green may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the EF Curry, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Bamboo Green. Overall, both switches offer a balanced combination of actuation and bottom out forces to cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it determines the amount of key travel required to register a keypress. Having a shorter travel distance can result in quicker typing speeds and a more responsive feel, while a longer travel distance may provide a more tactile feedback and better typing accuracy. In this case, since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key travel on both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch lacks specific descriptors for its sound characteristics, so it may have a more generic sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is described as having a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience. This means that users can expect a switch with two distinct stages in its tactility, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The switch also offers a sharp and crisp tactile bump, resulting in a refined and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch is characterized by its snappy, polished, and mild feel. This suggests that the switch is super responsive, smooth in operation, and offers a gentle typing experience suitable for most users.
Overall, both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound signature and a crisp tactility, the EverFree Curry focuses on a smooth keystroke and cost-effective reliability. Depending on whether you prioritize sound quality or typing feel, you can choose between these switches to achieve similar results in terms of performance and user experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar medium bottom out force and a smooth keystroke, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry would be the way to go. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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