Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Fairy each offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice for those who enjoy a satisfying, poppy sound profile with each keystroke. This linear switch is perfect for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a straightforward, responsive feel in their typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switches are tailored for office settings, featuring refined factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth, quiet typing experience. Their medium weight provides just the right amount of resistance to prevent fatigue during long work hours while maintaining a muted sound profile, ideal for a professional environment. Both switches have their merits, offering distinct experiences tailored to user needs; 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Fairy switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and overall user experiences. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback experienced during typing. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that absorbs sound more efficiently, thus producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference between polycarbonate and nylon results in varying auditory experiences when typing on the two switches, with the Everfree Cedar shining in scenarios where clarity and brightness are desired, while the Fairy offers a warmer and more muted sound profile.
When considering the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a more consistent foundation between them. The nylon bottom housing in both the Everfree Cedar and the Akko Fairy offers a similar sonic characteristic, which results in a deeper and rounder sound profile. Since nylon tends to absorb more sound, the bottom-out feel when typing on either switch is likely to be satisfyingly muted, regardless of the differences in their top housings. This shared characteristic in their bottom designs provides a level of compatibility in sound feedback, ensuring that both switches maintain a softer impact when deployed, even as their top sound aspects diverge.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Fairy switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Cedar and nylon for the Fairy—both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a fuller, softer sound profile during key presses. Users seeking a crisp and clear sound might lean towards the Everfree Cedar, while those who prefer a deeper and more rounded auditory experience may find the Akko Fairy more to their liking. Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the top housing combined with the consistent traits of the bottom housing create diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of typing preferences while fulfilling similar acoustic qualities at the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the Akko Fairy linear switch, their actuation forces show a notable difference. The EF Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Fairy requires a slightly lighter force of 50 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch may favor the Akko Fairy for easier key presses. However, the bottom out force for the EF Cedar is not specified, making it difficult to fully compare the bottoming out experience between the two switches. The Akko Fairy has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which signifies a firmer feel upon pressing the key all the way down. As a result, the Akko Fairy can be seen as the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the Akko Fairy is lighter for actuation but heavier at bottoming out, while the EF Cedar’s bottom out force remains unknown, which could affect preference based on individual typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Everfree Cedar boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Fairy measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. Consequently, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Akko Fairy might be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance, catering well to gamers seeking quick actions. On the other hand, if you prefer a heartier depth in the key press, the Gateron Everfree Cedar, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more substantial tactile feedback. Thus, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in travel distance.
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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch presents a poppy sound profile, suggesting a pleasing auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. This can make it feel more engaging, especially for users who appreciate distinct sounds with each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch is known for its muted and neutral sound, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Fairy switch particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern, offering a quieter typing experience without sacrificing too much engagement.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for its smoothness and reliable performance, but specific characteristics aren't detailed in this comparison. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and enhances key travel. This gentle resistance makes the Fairy switch approachable for users of all experience levels, ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions. The careful balance between responsiveness and resistance makes it an excellent choice for daily professional tasks.
Overall, both switches cater to different user preferences and environments. The Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a more engaging auditory experience with its poppy sound, which may appeal to users seeking a tactile response, while the Akko Fairy switch excels in environments that require minimal noise and maximum comfort, thanks to its factory-applied lubrication and balanced typing feel. Depending on your specific needs, both switches can provide satisfying performance, whether you lean towards an engaging sound profile or a quieter, more refined experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth, cost-effective option that brings a unique poppy sound profile while typing, the Everfree Cedar could be your go-to. Its design emphasizes reliable performance, making it a great choice for casual gaming and general use, especially if you appreciate a bit more auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you often find yourself in an office environment or need to type for extended periods, the Akko Fairy linear switch should be your pick. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and factory-applied lubrication, these switches offer a polished and refined feel that minimizes fatigue, allowing for comfort and efficiency in a quieter setting. The muted sound profile and mild resistance cater perfectly to the demands of a professional workspace. Therefore, consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style, usage scenarios, and overall preferences.
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