Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing users with a noticeable feedback during typing that many find satisfying and engaging; however, this switch is on the louder side, featuring a deep, bassy sound signature that can add a punchy ambiance to your workspace. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, emphasizes smoothness and reliability, delivering a quieter experience with a poppy sound profile. This makes it an appealing choice for those who favor swift, uninterrupted keystrokes, especially in quieter settings or during gaming sessions. While both switches have their unique advantages—tactility and auditory feedback for the Creamy Purple Pro versus smooth and subtle performance for the Everfree Cedar—it's essential to dive deeper into their individual characteristics to help you determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
20mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, and this choice yields similar acoustic qualities for both switches. The polycarbonate material generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition, which enhances resonance and clarity. A shared characteristic is the aesthetic appeal provided by the material's translucency, making both switches particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. Users who favor vibrant illumination will benefit from the clear top housing, ensuring that the light shines through effectively and creates an eye-catching display.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, commonly recognized as a classic material for switch construction. This softer plastic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the higher pitch produced by the polycarbonate top. The sound dampening properties of nylon absorb more vibrations, which means that while the top housing delivers clarity, the bottom housing provides a rounder and more muted sound upon bottoming out. This combination of materials allows for a balanced auditory experience, satisfying users who appreciate both the sharpness in tone and the depth of sound.
Ultimately, the distinctive materials employed in the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar create a uniquely harmonized sound experience. Although the top materials are the same, the differences in the bottom materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—contribute to the nuanced sound profiles of these switches. The result is a well-rounded typing experience, where the higher pitch of the polycarbonate top combines with the deeper notes of the nylon bottom to create a satisfying and dynamic feedback when typing. Thus, while the two switches may share certain common attributes, the combination of their housing materials ensures they produce distinct auditory characteristics while still offering similar key responses and tactile sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with its actuation force of 30 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, which has a substantially heavier actuation force of 55 grams and an unknown bottom out force, we can see a clear distinction in their overall feel and intended use. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter and may be preferable for those who type for extended periods, while the Gateron Everfree Cedar, with its heavier actuation, is tailored for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. The absence of a known bottom out force for the Everfree switch makes it more challenging to fully gauge its resistance when bottomed out, but the heavier actuation force suggests it would require a greater effort to reach the same typing depth compared to the Creamy Purple Pro. Therefore, those favoring a lighter touch for comfort would benefit from the Akko switch, whereas users seeking a stronger push would gravitate toward the Gateron option.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, providing a quicker and more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize speed in their typing experience. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial key press that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt, appealing to those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that allows for faster response times, the Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Cedar would be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, providing an invigorating auditory experience that can be quite distinct in a mechanical keyboard setup. This assertive sound can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while they type. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a poppy sound profile that is smooth and satisfying, yet less pronounced than the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. While the Everfree cedar's sound is less aggressive, it can still provide a pleasing auditory element, making them both enjoyable in their own right. It’s important to remember that these sound characteristics can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a large and invigorating tactile bump that enhances the typing experience for users who prefer feedback from their switches. This pronounced tactile sensation creates a more engaging typing experience, allowing typists to feel the actuation point distinctly. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is designed for smooth, reliable performance, providing a continuous keystroke without any tactile bumps. This results in a more fluid and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer feel and less resistance while typing.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences based on their design. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for users who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Everfree Cedar provides a smooth and subtle sound with a linear feel for those who prefer a more seamless keystroke. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will guide your choice between these two switches, as they each cater to different typing styles and acoustic desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and an audible feedback that energizes your typing experience, the Creamy Purple Pro, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and robust tactile bump, is likely the better fit. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate the satisfaction of feeling and hearing each keystroke, making it great for typists and gamers who thrive on tactile feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Everfree EF Cedar linear switch would be your go-to choice. This switch excels in providing a seamless and lightweight action suited for long typing sessions, making it particularly appealing for users who value speed and efficiency without the distraction of loud sounds or tactile bumps. In the end, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile responsiveness and sound versus a smooth and unobtrusive keystroke, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your individual style.
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