Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the choices can often be overwhelming due to the array of options available. Two intriguing contenders are the Kailh Box White V2, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, providing users with a pronounced keystroke experience that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree Cedar focuses on delivering a smooth and reliable performance without the distraction of a click, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing feel. While the Box White V2 may appeal to those who thrive on tactile sensations and sound cues, the Everfree Cedar aligns well with users who prioritize smoothness and gentle feedback in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
When examining the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, a prominent similarity lies in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's characteristics, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only contributes to a clearer resonance when typing but also enhances the visual appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency allows for optimal light diffusion. This shared material choice suggests that users can expect similarly vibrant and clear auditory experiences from both switches, making them ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
Diverging from their top housings, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This choice brings a distinctly different sound profile to the user experience, as nylon is recognized for its softer properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory sensation when typing. The placement of nylon in the bottom housing means that it significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, contrasting with the clearer tones from the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that affects the release sound, the nylon bottom housing introduces a rounder sound profile when keys are bottomed out, enhancing the tactile experience in distinct ways.
In conclusion, although the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches showcase different materials in their bottom housings, the use of polycarbonate in the top housings creates a common auditory foundation. This duality allows for an engaging typing experience where the sharper tones from the polycarbonate complement the muted, fuller sounds produced by the nylon. Users can expect clarity and resonance from both switches upon key release while enjoying a rich, deeper sound during the act of typing. Ultimately, this combination of materials affords keyboard enthusiasts a range of auditory sensations, making both switches appealing choices depending on individual sound preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Box White V2 featuring a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everfree Cedar's 55 grams. This makes the Box White V2 a preferable choice for those who prioritize a lighter keypress for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar's heavier actuation force may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback while typing, offering a more robust typing experience. Both switches have specified bottom out forces, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams, providing a clear point of comparison, while the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unavailable. Overall, if you're seeking a more comfortable and lighter keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better option, whereas those desiring a firmer push may gravitate towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they offer the same distance from top to bottom when a key is pressed. This identical travel distance will result in similar tactile feedback and overall keystroke length, making both switches feel consistent in terms of depth when typing or gaming. Thus, users can expect comparable results in terms of keystroke activation and comfort, regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 switches are characterized by a distinctively crisp and audible click that resonates with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This sound profile not only enhances the typing experience but also serves as an engaging reminder of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch delivers a smooth and poppy sound, indicative of its linear nature. While it lacks the pronounced click of the Box White V2, the Everfree Cedar still provides pleasant acoustics that vary based on environmental factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material. Ultimately, you can expect a more subdued sound with the Everfree Cedar compared to the sharp clicks of its Kailh counterpart.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a robust tactile feedback that allows users to feel a noticeable bump during each keystroke, making it highly enjoyable for those who prefer tactile switches. This tactile response is accentuated by the audible click, creating an engaging and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is classified as a linear switch, which means it provides a buttery smooth feel throughout the key press with no tactile bump or click. This results in an uninterrupted keystroke sensation, appealing to those who favor a quieter and smoother action, especially during rapid typing or gaming sessions.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 excels with its loud, clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy an audible and tactile type feel. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar provides a smooth and quieter operation without tactile interruptions, making it suitable for those who prioritize linear performance. Choosing between these switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, but either way, you'll find quality performance within both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch primarily hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a distinct auditory and tactile experience while typing, the Box White V2 is a fantastic option with its crisp click sound and engaging feedback at a light bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes it especially appealing for typists who thrive on sensory cues to enhance their writing or gaming experience. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, quieter typing experience that allows for fluid key presses, the Everfree Cedar linear switch would better suit you. Its linear nature is ideal for those who prefer a stealthier and more uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming, particularly in shared environments or during late-night sessions. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize audible feedback and tactile response or a seamless, silent keystroke for a more minimalistic approach to your mechanical keyboard.
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