Akko Botany vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar are two excellent linear options that each offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Botany switches stand out with their crisp and lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them an appealing choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar switches prioritize smooth and reliable performance, providing a cost-effective alternative that doesn't compromise on quality, while also delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you're drawn to the acoustic feedback of the Botany or the reliability and smooth actuation of the Everfree Cedar. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, a distinct contrast emerges through their top housing compositions. The Botany utilizes nylon for its top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to nylon's softer, sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for yielding a sharper, crisper sound due to the material's stiffer composition. This fundamental difference in materiality results in the Botany switches delivering a more muted auditory experience, while the Everfree switches provide a clearer, more resonant sound, especially noticeable when typing or engaging with RGB lighting applications due to polycarbonate's translucency.
On the other hand, both the Akko Botany and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, with both employing nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes a similar, deeper sound profile to both switches when pressed, thanks to its inherent softness and sound-dampening abilities. This consistency ensures that despite the contrasting auditory characteristics of the top housings, users can expect a uniform feel and acoustics at the bottom, where the action of pressing the key predominantly influences the overall sound experience. Therefore, both switches can deliver a satisfying tactile experience due to their shared nylon bottom, while their auditory profiles diverge based on the top housing material.
The impact of these material choices on the sound profile of each switch is noteworthy. The differing top housings lead to distinct auditory experiences; the Botany’s nylon top emphasizes a rounder sound on release, while the Everfree’s polycarbonate design enhances clarity and brightness. This separation of qualities means that when a user interacts with these switches, they will perceive the unique contributions of each material. The nylon bottom may mitigate some of the sharper overtones produced by the polycarbonate top of the EF Cedar, ultimately resulting in a switch that blends both sound styles. In essence, while the Botany and Everfree switches differ in their top housing components, they become more alike through their shared nylon bottom, aligning their base tonal characteristics and tactile feedback closely enough to cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Botany switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer feel. Additionally, the Botany switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, further emphasizing its lighter overall weight. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison regarding its resistance when fully depressed. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch for prolonged use, the Akko Botany is the better choice, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar caters to those who prefer a heavier keypress.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that the distance you feel when pressing down on a key is the same for both switches. This similarity in travel distance indicates that you can expect comparable responsiveness and feedback when using either switch, leading to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can achieve similar results in terms of key activation and overall feel, making either choice viable based on other preferences, such as tactile feedback or actuation force.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp, lively, and clacky audio characteristic, immediately drawing attention to its vibrant nature. This makes the Botany an excellent choice for users who enjoy an auditory feedback that adds a layer of engagement during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is recognized for its smooth, reliable performance, offering a more subdued yet satisfying poppy sound profile. While the Everfree may not be as loud as the Botany, it delivers a pleasant auditory experience that many users find appealing, especially those who prefer a more subtle acoustic footprint. It's important to note that the overall sound quality can also be influenced by external factors, such as the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Botany is likely to provide a distinct tactile experience that some users find invigorating, though specific details about its tactile characteristics are not provided. Meanwhile, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is designed for smoothness, prioritizing a consistent linear feel that many users appreciate for its uninterrupted travel and fluidity during key presses. The focus on a smooth actuation experience with the Everfree might appeal to those who prefer a straightforward, simplistic typing motion without additional tactile bumps or resistance.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch cater to different auditory preferences, they each offer unique experiences that might suit various user needs. The Botany’s crisp and lively sound may attract those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response, while the Everfree’s smooth and poppy sound profile can be a cost-effective option for users looking for reliable performance with subtlety. Ultimately, both switches bring their distinct qualities to the table, allowing newcomers to explore what aligns best with their personal typing and gaming preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, you'll want to consider both your typing preferences and the sound profile you enjoy. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Botany may be the better choice for you, especially if you appreciate a lively clacky sound that adds a bit of character to your typing experience. This switch is particularly suited for those who value tactile feedback and auditory stimulation, making it ideal for both typing and gaming where you want to feel and hear your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, reliable performance with a more understated sound, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option. Its cost-effective nature and use of Gateron's quality design mean it delivers a satisfying and consistent typing experience without being overly noisy. It's perfect for those who prioritize fluidity over the auditory element, or for environments where sound may be a concern. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the clacks and feedback of the Botany, or the smooth and quieter reliability of the Everfree Cedar.
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