Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Gold Brown. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a cost-effective choice with a satisfying poppy sound profile that appeals to those seeking a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch offers a tactile experience, characterized by a slight, satisfying bump that gives users gratifying feedback with every keystroke, making it a well-rounded pick for those who enjoy a balanced feel. While the Cedar caters to users looking for speed and fluidity, the Gold Brown is ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile interaction with the keyboard. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Gold Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which lends to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in materials suggests that users can expect a clear and resonant auditory experience when typing on either switch. The stiffer polycarbonate composition contributes significantly to the overall sound characteristics, making both switches particularly appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially in setups utilizing RGB lighting, as the light can beautifully illuminate the interior, creating a visually stunning effect.
However, the bottom housing of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Gold Brown diverges slightly in the qualities they bring to the typing experience. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon effectively absorbs sound waves, creating a more subdued auditory experience in contrast to the clearer top housing. This distinctive interplay between the nylon and polycarbonate materials results in a unique combination of sound profiles; where the nylon contributes a muffled depth to the bottom-out sound and feel, the polycarbonate enhances the clarity and pitch during the key release.
In essence, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Gold Brown share similarities in their top housing materials, they maintain their individuality through their bottom housing compositions. The alignment in polycarbonate for the top ensures users will enjoy comparable resonance during keystrokes, while the nylon base will mitigate some of that clarity, introducing a richer, fuller depth. This combination allows for a hybrid typing experience that incorporates both pronounced sound feedback upon key release and a dampened, rounded sound on bottoming out, appealing to a broad spectrum of keyboard enthusiasts seeking tailored experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of keystroke activation. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly: the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing down all the way, while the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate a key, the Gold Brown may provide a heavier and more tactile experience when fully depressed. For users who prefer lighter switches for long typing sessions, the Gateron Everfree could be more appealing, but those who favor a stronger push feeling might opt for the TTC Gold Brown due to its additional resistance when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Everfree Cedar, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer quicker keypresses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Gold Brown offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a less abrupt typing experience. Thus, for a balance between responsiveness and depth, one might lean towards the Everfree Cedar, while those favoring a fuller tactile experience might prefer the Gold Brown.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound that is distinct yet not overpowering, providing a warmth that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a rounded sound profile that leans towards the softer side, producing a more neutral acoustic experience. While the Everfree Cedar delights with its auditory feedback, the Gold Brown excels in providing a balanced sound that remains unobtrusive, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The difference in sound between the two switches highlights how the choice of mechanical switches can affect the auditory experience and overall atmosphere while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch promotes a smooth and effortless typing experience typical of linear switches. This allows for rapid key presses without interruption, making it an appealing choice for gamers or individuals who prioritize quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild tactile feedback with a gentle bump, offering a user-friendly typing experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The Gold Brown’s buttery feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it easier to press keys without feeling overly pronounced or jarring. This smooth sensation is complemented by its polished finish, reducing friction and allowing for fluid key travel. While the Cedar is noted for its smoothness, the Gold Brown’s tactility offers an engaging experience that caters to a broader range of preferences.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch present unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. The Everfree Cedar offers a satisfying auditory experience with smooth, linear keystrokes, while the Gold Brown provides a balanced and soft sound with a subtle tactile bump, making it more versatile for various users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual needs and preferred typing experiences; both will result in enjoyable typing sessions, but the nuances in sound and feel reflect their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a cost-effective option, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. It excels in fluidity and reliability, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming where rapid keystrokes are a priority. On the other hand, if you favor a balanced and tactile feedback while typing, the TTC Gold Brown would be more appropriate. With its satisfying bump and medium bottom out force, this switch offers a gentle yet noticeable tactile response that many find rewarding. Its neutral sound profile caters to both work and home environments, making it versatile for different applications. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you seek the effortless glide of a linear switch like the Everfree Cedar or the moderate tactile feedback that the Gold Brown provides for a more dynamic typing experience.
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