Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Black V2 both present compelling options, yet cater to different preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective option that still delivers a satisfying auditory experience with a poppy sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has cemented its status as a community favorite, offering a smooth downstroke accompanied by a rich clack sound, giving it a more distinctive auditory character. While the Everfree Cedar is often lauded for its value and dependability, the Ink Black V2 garners praise for its polished feel and low-pitched, mellow sound, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper acoustic profile. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Black V2, we see a stark contrast between the top housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is renowned for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a clearer, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it optimal for setups that utilize RGB lighting due to its light-penetrating properties. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. Although it delivers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile as well, the INK blend tends to produce a sound that is not as sharp as that created by polycarbonate, evolving instead towards a clacky quality. Thus, while both switches produce high-pitched sounds, the characteristics of those sounds diverge due to the differing materials.
The bottom housings of both switches present a more unified theme, as the Everfree (EF) Cedar uses nylon and the Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend, both of which offer deeper and fuller sound profiles. The nylon utilized in the Everfree (EF) Cedar is a classic choice known for absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Similarly, the INK blend in the Ink Black V2, despite its high-pitched top housing, also contributes to a fuller sound that complements its bottom-out feel. Therefore, the soft characteristics of these bottom housings create a cohesive sound foundation that balances the higher frequencies found in the top housings.
In practice, using both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Ink Black V2 could yield similar auditory experiences, particularly in terms of achieving a distinct sound profile optimized for typing. Both switches harness the benefits of a higher-pitched sound, with the difference in bottom housings offering varied but complementing warmth and fullness. As the top and bottom housings interact, the combination of the clackiness from the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 with the absorbed tones of nylon in the Everfree (EF) Cedar could lead to an engaging typing experience that balances sharpness with depth, highlighting the strengths of both designs. Ultimately, potential users of either switch may find delight in the nuanced auditory character that emerges from this interplay.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a smoother and less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours at work or during gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 demands a higher actuation force of 60 grams, providing a firmer feel that some typists may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, while the Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that if you choose the Ink Black V2, you will experience more resistance when pressing the key all the way down compared to the Everfree Cedar, which may appeal to different typing preferences. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is the lighter switch, while the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option, making the choice between them dependent on user preferences for typing feel and fatigue management.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have differing travel distances, with the Everfree Cedar measuring 3.6 mm and the Ink Black V2 at 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke for users who prefer a deeper feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar caters to those who seek a quicker response time, making it a potentially appealing option for gamers who value efficiency and speed in their key presses. While both switches serve their unique purposes, the choice between them will largely depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the auditory experience during typing. This makes it quite pleasant for those who appreciate more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 produces a low-pitched, bassy sound that is richer and deeper, giving off a unique auditory signature. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 features a chirpy element, which adds a distinct character to its sound profile. While both switches offer a compelling auditory experience, the Cedar tends to be more vibrant and lively compared to the subdued bass and chirp present in the Ink Black V2.
When it comes to the feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch provides a reliable sensation but lacks the detailed texture that might be emphasized by user reviews, leaving some characteristics unknown. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 delivers a mild and polished feel, which results in a more gentle and refined typing experience. The smoothness of the Ink Black V2 can be attributed to its polished nature and potentially factory lubing, which minimizes friction and enhances the overall typing experience. This combination provides a user-friendly experience suitable for both new users and seasoned typists, whereas the feel of the Cedar switch remains less documented.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cedar offers an engaging sound profile with a poppy character, while the Ink Black V2 stands out with its deeper, richer tones and a polished feel. For those seeking a combination of auditory pleasure and typing satisfaction, either switch can deliver enjoyable results, though they each do so in distinct ways. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may boil down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches largely depends on your preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you are seeking a budget-friendly option that excels in smooth performance with a satisfying poppy sound, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a switch that offers a unique acoustic signature. However, if you gravitate towards a more robust and heavier feel with a rich, low-pitched sound profile, the Ink Black V2 would serve you well, particularly if you appreciate a nice clack during key presses. Additionally, the mild and polished experience of the Ink Black V2 allows for a versatile typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and serious typing tasks. Ultimately, your selection should reflect what aspects of keyboard performance and sound resonate most with you, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard enhances your typing experience in the way you desire.
Mentioned in this article
