Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options stand out: the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, both linear switches that cater to enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Blush is lauded for its exceptional feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole design, resulting in a buttery yet poppy sound signature that enhances the tactile pleasure of typing. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative, utilizing Gateron’s well-established mold technology to deliver smooth performance paired with a satisfying poppy audio feedback. While both switches excel in providing a linear feel, the Blush is ideal for those who prioritize an upscale tactile experience, whereas the Everfree Cedar appeals to users looking for quality 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar exhibit both similarities and distinctions that greatly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for their ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear acoustic quality, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, but also ensures a consistent sound performance across both switch models due to the same material utilized in their top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Everfree Cedar diverge in material use. Both employ nylon for their bottom housings, which is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness enables nylon to absorb more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience during key presses. Consequently, while the tops of both switches will create similar higher-pitched sounds, the bottoms will differ in their resonant qualities, with the nylon contributing to a distinctively richer bottom-out sound. This contrast emphasizes the unique tonal characteristics each housing material brings to the overall typing experience.
When combining the acoustic properties of the polycarbonate top and the nylon bottom housings, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron Everfree Cedar offer a harmonious blend of sound profiles. Users can expect that while the higher frequencies will be crisp and clear from the polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms will soften and deepen the auditory feedback during key presses. This synergy between the materials ensures that both switch models will provide a rewarding and nuanced typing experience, appealing to both enthusiasts and casual users alike. Whether for gaming or general typing, the combined effects of these selected materials will yield similar satisfying results, highlighting the thoughtful engineering behind each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there are distinct differences. The Aflion Blush has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has a known actuation force of 55 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. As such, if we assume comparable bottom out weights, users could potentially experience similar performance in terms of feedback; however, the choice comes down to the actuation forces. Here, the Everfree Cedar is the lighter option, allowing for potentially less fatigue during extended use, which is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Blush, with its unspecified actuation force and heavier bottom out, could cater to those who prefer a firmer push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, users looking for a softer touch would likely lean towards the Cedar, while those desiring a stronger typing feedback might prefer the Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, the Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Blush is the shorter option between the two, making it more suitable for gamers who favor rapid response times. On the other hand, the Cedar's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, providing a depth that some users find reassuring and comfortable. Thus, your choice should align with your preference for either quick responsiveness or a hearty depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush switch stands out with its low-pitched, poppy sound profile, which provides a warm and bass-heavy auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This unique sound signature contributes to the overall enjoyment during typing, as it offers a pleasant auditory feedback that pairs well with its tactile characteristics. While the sound qualities of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch are not explicitly detailed beyond its satisfying and poppy nature, it can be inferred that users may experience a similar level of auditory satisfaction, particularly since both switches are designed to deliver enjoyable sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The combination of these traits gives the user a feeling of gliding over the keys, enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch isn’t specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares. However, given that it is marketed as a smooth and reliable option, it is likely to deliver a satisfactory typing experience that might not be as luxurious as the Blush but still provides a solid performance.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch impresses with its low-pitched sound and luxurious feel characterized by smoothness and fluidity, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch also aims to provide a satisfying auditory experience with its poppy sound profile. The key takeaway is that if you prioritize auditory satisfaction and a high-quality typing feel, the Aflion Blush may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for something that offers good performance at a potentially more cost-effective price point, the Everfree (EF) Cedar could still meet your needs effectively, though its specific feel might vary and remains to be discovered.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth, buttery, and creamy typing experience, the Blush is your best option, particularly due to its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, which provides a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. The Blush’s longer two-stage spring design and low-pitched, poppy sound signature make it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience and a refined feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective option that delivers a trustworthy performance with a poppy sound, the Everfree Cedar may be the way to go, especially if the unknown bottom-out force isn’t a concern for you. It’s perfect for users who want a straightforward linear switch without the need for intricate specifications. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a rich sensory experience with the Blush or a simpler yet effective typing solution with the Everfree Cedar.
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