Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two prominent linear switches, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, exemplify the variety available to users. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an excellent typing experience right out of the box. It offers a balance of comfort and responsiveness that can be particularly appealing for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is a cost-effective option that shines with its smooth, reliable performance and satisfying poppy sound profile, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists looking for both auditory feedback and performance without breaking the bank. Both switches provide unique benefits: the Acacia for its refined feel and immediate usability, and the Everfree Cedar for its affordability and pleasing sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches share striking similarities in their materials, particularly their top housing, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches utilize this stiff plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing. The translucency of polycarbonate contributes not only to its sonic properties but also to the aesthetic quality of the switches, allowing RGB lighting to shine through beautifully. As such, users can expect a similar brightness and clarity in sound when comparing the two, along with a visually appealing glow that enhances any keyboard setup.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is composed of nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound. This shared characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nature of nylon rounds out the auditory experience and creates a contrast to the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top. Thus, while the top housings of both switches contribute to a clear and bright sound when keys are released, the nylon bottoms moderate this profile, leading to a balanced typing experience. Consequently, users of both switches will enjoy a harmonious blend of sharp and deep sounds, making for an engaging and satisfying typing satisfaction.
In summary, despite the different characteristics that the top and bottom housings of these switches bring to the table, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar exhibit a cohesive sound profile that harnesses the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. The comparative acoustic dynamics created by the use of polycarbonate for crispness in the upper housing and nylon for warmth in the lower housing generate an all-encompassing typing experience. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Acacia or the Everfree Cedar, the combination of materials ensures a soundscape that is rich, dynamic, and ultimately complementary.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch present a contrasting experience in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of work or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar's actuation force is heavier at 55 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for enhanced tactile feedback during typing. However, since the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, it cannot be directly compared to the Acacia's bottom out force of 55 grams. Hence, users seeking a lighter switch would gravitate towards the Acacia, while those who favor a stronger push should consider the Everfree Cedar. Both switches cater to different preferences based on the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that might be preferable for gamers seeking quicker key activation. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar's longer travel distance could be more suited for users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial typing experience, as it may feel less abrupt compared to the Acacia. Both switches, while close in distance, cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, with the shorter Acacia ideal for rapid inputs and the longer Cedar offering a more deliberate press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its relatively muted acoustics, providing a more understated keystroke that can be less intrusive in shared environments. This characteristic allows for a typing experience that won't disrupt your surroundings, making it an appealing choice for office or quiet home settings. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a poppy sound profile that adds a bit more character to each keystroke. This engaging auditory feedback can enhance the overall typing experience, especially in more casual or gaming environments where a lively sound is appreciated. However, the final sound profile can vary significantly based on factors like the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, making both switches adaptable to personal or situational preferences.
Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia switch excels with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which results in a smooth and satisfying keystroke. The minimal stem wobble further enhances the typing experience, providing stability and precision that many typists and gamers will appreciate right out of the box. In comparison, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch also emphasizes a smooth operation, benefiting from Gateron's trusted manufacturing process. The feel of this switch is intended to deliver reliable performance without inconsistency, ideal for those who favor a direct and uncomplicated typing experience. While both switches provide satisfying use, the Acacia's lubrication may give it a slight edge in terms of immediate smoothness.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches present compelling options for those seeking a quality typing experience. The Acacia's more subdued sound profile and enhanced lubrication may suit individuals looking for a quieter and effortless feel, while the Everfree Cedar provides a more dynamic auditory experience with reliable performance. Ultimately, either switch can satisfy a range of personal preferences, offering distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments. Your ultimate choice may come down to whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more engaging sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, consider what aspects of typing feel most important to you. The Acacia, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, is an excellent choice if you prefer a tactile experience that combines a gentle touch with effective performance. This switch provides a delightful typing experience thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for both typing and gaming, particularly if you're looking for comfort during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a budget-friendly option that delivers smooth performance and a satisfying sound profile, the Gateron Everfree Cedar might be the right pick for you. Although the bottom-out force is unspecified, these switches offer a recognizable poppy sound that enhances the auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preferences for typing feel, weight, sound, and overall performance—so consider what aspects you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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