Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar, a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand, provides a smooth and reliable typing experience alongside a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it suitable for gamers and typists who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear emphasizes a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, which appeals to those seeking a frictionless and creamy typing feel. While the Everfree Cedar presents an excellent budget option with its playful sound, the Ice King offers a polished and subdued experience for those who prefer a quieter alternative. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Linear, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, allowing it to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This clarity is amplified when combined with RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate's transparency enhances the visual dynamics of the keyboard. In contrast, the Ice King Linear employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer material properties. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is less sharp and more muted compared to the polycarbonate's resonant nature. This fundamental difference in material directly influences the overall acoustics when typing on each switch.
While the differences in the top housings significantly shape the sound profile of each switch, the bottom housings of both switches share a commonality. Both the Everfree Cedar and the Ice King Linear utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a similar experience in terms of sound absorption and overall feel during typing. Given that nylon is a classic housing material, it contributes to a dulled yet full sound profile that softens the impact when bottoming out. This similarity means that while the Everfree Cedar can produce a brighter sound popping from the top, the depth and fullness at the bottom will feel quite comparable to that of the Ice King Linear due to the identical material used in their bottom housings.
Ultimately, while the Everfree Cedar and Ice King Linear switches exhibit different characteristics attributable to their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches balances out the auditory experience, offering a rich, muted tone during typing. Therefore, users can expect a nuanced sound signature that complements the typing feel across both switches. The design elements and resulting acoustics serve to highlight how the interplay between these materials can yield varied auditory sensations, giving keyboard enthusiasts a wide range of options based on their desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it slightly heavier than the Ice King Linear’s actuation force of 52 grams. This means that, for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Ice King would be the better choice, while the Everfree Cedar offers a bit more resistance for a more substantial feel. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, whereas the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium. Therefore, while both switches have different actuation forces, the Ice King’s known bottom out force indicates that it may provide a more definitive tactile response when fully pressed down. Thus, for users seeking lighter action and prolonged comfort, the Ice King Linear is preferable, while those looking for a somewhat heavier typing experience might lean towards the Gateron Everfree, assuming they can adjust their expectations around the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, we find a subtle difference that may influence user preference. The Everfree Cedar offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means the Gateron switch provides a bit more depth in each keystroke compared to the Durock switch. For gamers seeking rapid response times, the Ice King’s shorter travel might be the more appealing choice, enabling quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation when typing may prefer the Everfree Cedar for its greater travel distance, resulting in a potentially more satisfying experience. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Everfree Cedar is the longer option, and the Ice King Linear is the shorter one.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Linear switches, the Everfree is noted for its satisfying and slightly poppy sound, which likely enhances the auditory feedback for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound during use. In contrast, the Ice King Linear is described as having a subdued sound, providing a dampened auditory experience that is more subtle than many other switches. This characteristic makes the Ice King a great choice for users who prioritize a quieter typing experience, while the Everfree appeals to those who appreciate a more engaging sound during their keystrokes. Ultimately, the sound of each switch can also be influenced by your keyboard's material and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's description is less clear, but we can infer that it may provide a good typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is characterized by a range of highly refined tactile qualities, including a silky and frictionless experience. This results in a typing sensation that minimizes resistance, making it exceptionally smooth as you engage the keys. Additionally, the Ice King has a creamy feel due to factory lubrication, ensuring that each keystroke glides effortlessly across the switch. The polished nature of the Ice King also suggests a refined finish that contributes to an overall smooth typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a distinct poppy sound that can enhance typing engagement, the Durock Ice King Linear presents a more subdued auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Ice King excels with its silky, frictionless, and polished characteristics, likely making it one of the smoothest options available, while the Everfree’s tactile feel remains somewhat undefined. Therefore, if you seek a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Ice King may be the ideal choice, whereas the Everfree could suit those who prefer a more pronounced sound with their keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the typing experience you desire. If you value a more cost-effective switch that offers a poppy sound profile with smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar could be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively audio experience while typing, making it suitable for casual users and those who appreciate an engaging keystroke without heavy resistance. On the other hand, if you are looking for an exceptionally silky and frictionless typing experience, paired with a more subdued sound, then the Ice King Linear is likely the better option. With its full nylon construction and factory lubrication, it excels in delivering a premium feel that can enhance your typing productivity, particularly if you’re a heavy typist or gamer seeking the smoothest experience possible. In short, consider the Everfree Cedar if you prefer an energetic feel and sound, while reaching for the Durock Ice King Linear if your focus is on achieving uncompromising smoothness and a subtler audio profile.
Mentioned in this article
