KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between a variety of options, each offering unique characteristics. The KTT Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, featuring a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that enhances resonance during use. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate audible feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offers smooth and reliable performance at a more budget-friendly price point, leveraging Gateron's trusted manufacturing processes to provide a satisfying and poppy sound profile. While the Cream Yellow caters to users who prioritize auditory feedback and a bouncy feel, the Everfree Cedar is perfect for those seeking a dependable linear switch 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience when typing. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it especially suitable for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback from their switches. Both switches take advantage of polycarbonate's translucency, which is not only beneficial for aesthetic appeal—especially for setups with RGB lighting—but also ensures that the visual effects are fully appreciated. In this regard, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound profile and visual coherence when using either switch.
In contrast, both the Cream Yellow and the Everfree Cedar use nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a distinctly different auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. This material choice means that, during typing, the feel and sound produced by the switch when bottoming out will have a rounded and muted quality, allowing for a harmonious balance between the two housing types. The combination of a stiffer top and a softer bottom creates a versatile typing experience, where the top housing emphasizes clarity, while the bottom offers depth.
When taken together, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer similar auditory characteristics due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing, while diverging in sound profile through their nylon bottom housings. Users looking for a balance between a crisp release and a full bottom-out experience may find both switches appealing, as the qualities of each material contribute to achieving a unified sound signature. Therefore, although the housing materials differ in terms of their individual properties, the resulting combination allows users to get similar auditory results, enhancing the overall typing experience regardless of the specific switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, contrasting with the Everfree Cedar's actuation force of 55 grams, making the Cream Yellow the lighter option overall. However, since the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, we cannot provide a direct comparison for that measurement. The Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which complements its lighter actuation force, giving it a medium feel—ideal for both extended typing sessions and a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree Cedar, with its higher actuation force, will likely provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, those seeking a softer touch for longer typing or gaming might gravitate toward the KTT Cream Yellow, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke might prefer the Gateron switch, at least in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everfree Cedar features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar offers a bit more depth with its greater travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches provide distinct experiences depending on personal preferences; if you favor a more responsive and abbreviated feel, the KTT Cream Yellow would be the ideal choice, whereas those who appreciate a fuller keystroke might lean towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively clacky auditory experience. Its design, featuring a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, generates a sharp and snappy sound when keys are pressed. This crisp and bright sound can be quite prominent, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an audible cue while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is designed for a smoother performance, producing a poppy sound profile that can be satisfying but is likely less pronounced than the Cream Yellow. Consequently, while both switches provide auditory feedback, the Cream Yellow switch stands out with its more resonant and percussive character.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is engineered to deliver a bouncy typing sensation. Users can expect a lively and elastic feedback when pressing the keys, providing a rebound effect that makes typing more dynamic and enjoyable. The Cream Yellow's longer spring enhances this bounciness, contributing to an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is more understated, with less information available on its tactile feedback. However, it is known for smooth and reliable performance, which suggests a straightforward typing experience, likely without the added elasticity that characterizes the Cream Yellow.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cream Yellow excels with its clacky sound and bouncy feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy pronounced auditory and tactile responses. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar offers a smoother and potentially quieter experience, suitable for those who favor a more subtle approach to typing. Both switches are effective in their own rights, and your decision may depend on whether you prioritize auditory engagement or a more understated performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches should be guided by your typing preferences and sound needs. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with an engaging and clacky sound, the Cream Yellow is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a tactile feedback that enhances your keystrokes, making it ideal for both gaming and typing sessions where you want to feel the responsiveness of each press. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more cost-effective option with a subtle sound profile, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches may suit you better. They provide reliable performance without the extra auditory excitement of the Cream Yellow, making them a great option for quieter environments or if you desire a more understated feel while typing. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a lively acoustic experience and tactile feedback or a smooth and economical typing experience.
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