Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is important to consider their unique characteristics. The EverFree Curry switches from Gateron are well-regarded for their affordable price point and reliable performance. With a smooth linear mechanism, they offer a snappy and polished typing experience, making them ideal for budget-conscious individuals looking for quality. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch lacks a standout feature but provides a different typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
The housing materials of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Ocean both use polycarbonate for their top housing, giving them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may still have subtle differences in sound due to other factors such as stem design or spring weight.
In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the EF Curry using nylon and the Silent Ocean also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastics. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall sound profile of the switches, as the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and the Outemu Silent Ocean share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they may exhibit differences in sound due to other factors. The Nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, but slight variations in materials and design may still result in nuanced differences in the typing experience. It's important to consider how each housing material affects sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The EverFree Curry has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the EverFree Curry's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a decent amount of resistance for typing. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Ocean may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the EverFree Curry's slightly higher bottom out force may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback when using either switch. Whether you prefer the EF Curry or the Silent Ocean, you can be assured that the travel distance will be the same, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of your choice.
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 Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 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
When considering the sound characteristics of the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches, the EverFree (EF) Curry is known for providing a moderately quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch is also designed to minimize noise, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment when typing. Both switches offer a relatively silent operation, making them ideal choices for users who value a noiseless typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry is described as snappy, polished, and mild, providing users with a responsive and smooth key press that falls within a comfortable middle-ground in terms of tactility. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is not provided in the information provided. However, based on the description of providing a silent typing experience, it can be assumed that the switch offers a smooth and responsive feel similar to the EverFree Curry.
In conclusion, both the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches offer a budget-friendly option with a focus on providing a quiet and reliable typing experience. While the sound and feel characteristics may vary slightly between the two switches based on the provided information, users can expect a similar level of performance in terms of smoothness, responsiveness, and overall typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Curry would be a great choice. It offers a snappy and polished typing experience, making it suitable for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are interested in a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for feel, sound, and budget. Consider what features are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly.
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