Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar present a compelling choice for enthusiasts. The Box Royal, recognized for its pronounced tactile feedback, offers a sharp and aggressive typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a distinct response with each keystroke. Its higher-pitched sound profile can also add an acoustic dimension that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar linear switch is designed for smooth and reliable performance, appealing to those who favor a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. With its satisfying and poppy sound, this cost-effective option caters to users looking for dependable feedback without the sharpness of tactile switches. While both switches serve specific preferences and needs, understanding their unique characteristics will help you make an informed decision. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, we see a distinct difference in their top housings. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile when typing. This softer plastic not only enhances the muted sound character but also contributes to a more cushioned feel during keystrokes, giving a warm quality to each press. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing, which possesses a significantly stiffer structure. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, delivering a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing's translucence allows RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, making it appealing for those who prioritize visual effects alongside functionality.
On the other hand, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar feature nylon for their bottom housing. Given that both switches use nylon in this capacity, the effect of the bottom housing on sound and feel will be similar. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, it maintains a deep and full sound profile, characteristic of softer plastics that absorb vibrations effectively. This shared material for the bottom housing results in a consistent tactile feel that provides cushioning, enhancing the overall typing experience. Even if the top housings differ, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a muted and rounded sound when bottoming out, contributing to a cohesive overall performance.
Ultimately, the combination of these varying top and bottom housing materials leads to unique auditory and tactile experiences. While the Kailh Box Royal offers a warm, mellow sound profile with its nylon top, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar delivers a more pronounced and resonant sound through its polycarbonate top. However, both switches benefit from the nylon used in their bottom housings, which helps to create a harmony of deeper sound characteristics at the bottom of the keypress, ensuring that irrespective of their differences, users can still enjoy the deeper and fuller sound associated with nylon when the keys return to their resting positions.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Everfree Cedar's actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Box Royal may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Everfree Cedar is geared towards those who favor a heavier switch for a more substantial feel during use. Regarding the bottom out force, the Box Royal has a measurable bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that it provides a solid feedback when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to draw an exact comparison in this aspect. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option with defined feedback, the Kailh Box Royal is the way to go, while the Gateron Everfree Cedar might appeal to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in an identical experience in terms of key press depth. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect similar feedback and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This uniformity means that regardless of choice, the tactile or smooth linear feel will be experienced over the same distance, providing a consistent typing experience.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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
The sound profile of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its high-pitched nature. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when each key is pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback without the deeper, richer tones of bass-heavy switches. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch emits a satisfying, poppy sound, which likely provides a more subtle and smooth auditory experience. While the distinction favors the Box Royal for those seeking higher-pitched feedback, the Everfree Cedar does offer a pleasant sound that many users may find appealing in its own right.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal excels in delivering a sharp tactile experience, known for its strong and crisp feedback intensity. The distinct tactile bump is both prominent and aggressive, ensuring that users experience a clear distinction with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch, being a linear switch, does not provide the tactile feedback associated with more tactile options. Instead, it offers a smooth keypress without the defined bump, leading to a more fluid typing experience. This difference means that those who prefer a clear tactile response will lean towards the Box Royal, while those seeking a seamless keystroke without tactile interruptions may favor the Everfree Cedar.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is defined by its high-pitched sound and sharp, pronounced tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who desire aggressive tactility and clear auditory cues. Conversely, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch provides a poppy sound profile and a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, ideal for those who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, your choice between these two will hinge on your personal preference for sound and feel, as they cater to very different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you crave a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a sharper, more aggressive typing experience, the Box Royal would be an excellent choice for you. Its distinct, high-pitched sound and pronounced tactile bump make it ideal for both typists who appreciate feedback with every keystroke and gamers who benefit from quick recognition of key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a more subtle sound profile, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch might be more suited to your needs. These switches excel in delivering a smooth feel without any tactile interruption, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where silence and fluidity are key. Whether you value aggressive feedback or smooth performance, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences—making it important to consider how you plan to use your keyboard.
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