Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable linear options stand out: the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 37g, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a feather-light touch and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile. This combination appeals to typists seeking a responsive and engaging experience without requiring significant finger pressure. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree Cedar offers a smooth and reliable performance, characteristic of Gateron's trusted engineering, while presenting a more cost-effective alternative. With its satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar delivers a balanced auditory experience that caters to gamers and typists alike. While both switches have their unique advantages—lightness and distinctive sound for the Aqua, and smooth reliability and value for the Cedar—there are nuanced differences that can significantly affect your typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a remarkably similar sound profile. The polycarbonate material lends itself to a crisper, sharper, and more resonant sound, a characteristic attributed to the stiffness of the plastic. As both switches share this material for the top housing, they are likely to produce similar auditory experiences, especially when it comes to RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visibility of backlighting. This alignment means that users can expect a clear and dynamic sound when pressing down on the switches, making both the Aqua and the Everfree Cedar appealing options for enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback and aesthetic appeal.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar are made of nylon, which introduces an entirely different tuning to the switches' sound profiles. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, providing a deeper and fuller sound that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. This means that while both switches maximize the benefits of their respective materials, the nylon bottom housing of each focuses on absorbing sound and creating a more rounded auditory experience. Users can anticipate a distinct difference in the bottom-out sounds and overall feedback when typing. Despite this difference, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in both switches results in a complementary experience, where the full sound profile is achieved through the interplay of both materials.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar differ in their bottom housing materials, its nylon base syncs harmoniously with the polycarbonate top to create a rounded auditory experience and crisp feel. Users can enjoy the heightened sound sharpness associated with the polycarbonate tops, coupled with the deeper resonance afforded by the nylon bottoms. This dual-material design allows users to experience the unique benefits of both elements while enjoying a cohesive sound profile—where the polycarbonate enhances clarity during key releases and the nylon contributes richness during keystrokes. Thus, even though the switches feature different materials at the bottom, the overall performance retains a level of auditory harmony.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it a preferable option for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it allows for quicker key presses with less effort. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Unfortunately, both switches have their bottom-out forces listed as unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, if you're seeking a switch that promotes a more effortless typing experience, the Aqua is the better choice, while the Everfree is ideal for those who favor a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Dareu Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Aqua offers a more substantial depth, aligning with traditional preferences for a more grounded typing experience. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize faster response times, often favored by gamers seeking quick key actuation. Thus, the Aqua is the longer option, providing a more pronounced feel, whereas the Everfree Cedar is the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive and agile keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile. The chirp adds a subtle squeak to the press, creating a distinctive acoustic signature that can be quite engaging. The clacky aspect introduces a sharp and snappy sound, providing a bright and percussive auditory experience. This combination leads to a lively soundscape that many users find enjoyable, especially in a gaming or productivity scenario. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch's sound profile is less defined as there is no specific descriptor provided. However, these switches are known to deliver a satisfying, poppy sound, which suggests a crisp auditory response that would likely be favorable for users seeking a pleasant typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, while the Aqua offers a more complex sound signature, the Cedar provides a solid auditory foundation that could cater to a variety of user preferences.
Regarding the feel, the Dareu Aqua switch shines with its exceptionally lightweight actuation force of 37g. This characteristic allows for an easy-to-press experience, minimizing the effort required to register each key press. Users describe the feel as both easy and feathery, promoting comfort during prolonged typing sessions by reducing finger fatigue. The effortless actuation makes these switches suitable for fast-paced gaming or prolonged work environments. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch's feel is not specifically outlined, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, Gateron's reputation for smooth and reliable performance suggests that the EF Cedar would likely deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit without the detailed ergonomics that come from the Aqua.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a distinctly chirpy and clacky sound profile with a light and comfortable feel that makes typing a breeze, making it ideal for users seeking both acoustic engagement and ergonomic comfort. In contrast, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar's sound is less defined, it offers a satisfying, poppy auditory experience. Both switches promise smooth performance, but the Aqua stands out for its specific sound and feel qualities that cater to users who prioritize these aspects in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, if sound and feel matter greatly to you, the Aqua provides a more layered experience, while the Cedar presents a reliable alternative that you might find equally enjoyable, depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits should guide your choice. If you lean toward a lighter touch and enjoy a distinctive, chirpy, or clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua is an excellent match for you. Its incredibly low actuation force of 37g not only makes typing feel effortless but also minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for gamers or those who type extensively. On the other hand, if you're looking for a reliable and smooth keystroke experience without the intricacies of sound profile, the Gateron Everfree Cedar is a cost-effective choice that embodies the trusted quality of Gateron's design, providing a satisfying and poppy sound while maintaining a comfortable performance. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a nuanced auditory experience with a lightweight feel or prefer a more straightforward, dependable switch that keeps things simple while still delivering on comfort.
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