Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, your decision often hinges on the type of feedback and sound you prefer while typing. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an attractive option for gamers and typists who favor a steady keystroke without tactile interruptions. Its satisfying, poppy sound profile enhances the typing experience without sacrificing efficiency, positioning it as a great cost-effective choice. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a more unique tactile experience, merging creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump. This design elevates tactile feedback to an art form, making it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile sensation of each keystroke while still benefiting from a fluid typing experience. While the Everfree Cedar is perfect for those who prioritize linear strokes and quiet operation, the Ice King Tactile caters to users who relish the fulfilling feedback of a tactile switch. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their differences in top housing composition. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sturdy, transparent qualities that enhance sound clarity and resonance. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when the keys are activated, making it particularly well-suited for users who prioritize auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This results in a more muted auditory experience, offering a rounder sound that some typists may prefer, especially in quieter environments or for a less jarring typing experience.
Both switches, however, share a common material for their bottom housing, as both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Ice King Tactile utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a similar sound absorption quality, resulting in a duller and more rounded auditory feedback when keys bottom out. This characteristic is crucial in creating a balanced sound experience and helps mitigate the higher-pitched sounds produced by the top housings. Thus, while the top housings contribute distinctly different auditory characteristics, the nylon bottom housings align closely in performance, allowing users to experience a harmonious blend of sound profiles with either switch.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Durock Ice King Tactile switches exhibit contrasting top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Cedar and nylon for the Ice King—both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a significant auditory divergence when the switches are actuated, with the Everfree delivering a crisper sound and the Ice King offering a fuller resonance. Despite these differences, the nylon shared in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a foundational level of roundness in sound, providing a partially overlapping experience for users who value the bottoming-out characteristics in their typing. Consequently, individual preferences for sound and feel will largely dictate which switch is more appealing to typists.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, notable differences emerge, particularly in actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Ice King Tactile, which requires 58 grams of actuation force. This slight difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unspecified, while the Ice King Tactile features a bottom out force of 68 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Ice King Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience, with a firmer feel as it reaches its bottom position. Consequently, for those who favor a lighter switch for comfort and extended use, the Everfree Cedar would be more appealing, whereas users who appreciate a heavier, more tactile feel in their keystrokes might lean towards the Ice King Tactile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Tactile measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference, although minimal, indicates that the Everfree Cedar offers a deeper keystroke, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response, making it potentially more favorable for gamers who prefer rapid actuation. Despite the slight variation in distance, neither switch is considered overly shallow or traditional by the 4.0 mm standard, placing them in the contemporary range that enhances responsiveness while still offering different tactile sensations for varying preferences.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is known for delivering a satisfying and poppy sound profile, which adds a bit of character to your keystrokes. This lively auditory response enhances the overall typing experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch features a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise upon actuation. While not utterly silent, its subtle sound signature allows for a quieter typing experience compared to the Cedar, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise might be a concern.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is recognized for its smooth reliability, which provides a pleasant typing experience, although specific descriptors for its tactile sensation are not provided. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile stands out with an array of characteristics that include silky smoothness and a frictionless experience. The notable pronounced tactile bump provides a distinctive feedback during keypresses, promoting a more engaged typing experience. Its stepped design ensures that users can perceive different stages of the keystroke, while the polished finish enhances the overall fluidity of the typing action, making every keystroke feel refined and deliberate.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer unique qualities suited for different preferences. The Cedar’s poppy sound and smooth performance appeal to users who enjoy linear switches, while the Ice King's subdued sound and intricate tactile feedback are designed for those who appreciate a more textured typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and a linear feel or a subtler auditory experience paired with a richly tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keystroke without the distraction of a tactile bump, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its emphasis on reliability and a satisfying, poppy sound profile makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more fluid typing experience without feeling hindered by resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and seek a richer typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch might be more suited to you. Its unique blend of silky smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump creates a sensory experience that many typists find gratifying, especially while typing long documents or engaging in gaming scenarios. Keep in mind the sound profile too; while the Everfree Cedar offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the subdued sound of the Ice King Tactile ensures a quieter workspace. In essence, the right switch for you will hinge on your need for smoothness or tactile feedback, helping you enhance your overall typing experience.
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