Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Black both offer unique experiences suited to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a snappy yet polished typing experience. Its satisfying, poppy sound profile adds a fun tactile element to every keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Box Black stands out with its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, providing a higher-pitched, clacky sound reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific tastes in typing feel and sound; 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Black, notable differences emerge in the choice and characteristics of their top housings. The Everfree Cedar utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This sturdier plastic contributes to a clearer resonance, particularly beneficial for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which delivers a similarly high-pitched sound but with a clackier quality that isn’t perceived as overly sharp. While both housings produce a higher-end frequency response, the nuances of the sound profiles differ—where the Everfree Cedar provides more clarity and definition, the Ink Box Black has a more rounded clackiness, catering to distinct auditory preferences.
The bottom housings of the two switches feature yet another contrast that significantly influences their sound profiles. The Everfree Cedar opts for nylon in its bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a sound that is more muted and rounded, complementing the higher-pitched clarity of the polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Ink Box Black maintains consistency with its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which mirrors the pointed and high-pitched characteristics of its top housing. However, this choice results in a sound profile that remains consistent in its clackiness, further enhancing the high frequencies without the added warmth that nylon would contribute. The distinct sound-producing materials create differing auditory experiences when typing, with the Everfree Cedar providing a blend of sharp and deep tones, while the Ink Box Black remains brighter and more uniform.
Ultimately, the interactions between the top and bottom housings play a critical role in defining each switch's overall auditory experience. While the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar capitalizes on the contrast between its crisp polycarbonate top and deep nylon bottom, leading to a dynamic sound profile, the Ink Box Black aims for a harmonious high-pitched clarity that flows consistently from both its INK blend top and bottom. For users seeking similar auditory results, focusing on the properties of the top housing may yield comparable experiences in terms of high frequencies, albeit tailored with different nuances. The combination of materials dictates the tactile and acoustic response of each switch, showcasing how the choice of housing can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Everfree Cedar has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, contributing to a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a stronger push feel. Regarding bottom out force, the Ink Box Black has a measurable force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown. Consequently, the Ink Box Black is the heavier option overall, which might necessitate additional effort during longer use. If the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar were known and similar to the Ink Box Black, users could expect consistent tactile feedback and resistance. However, with the current information, the Everfree Cedar remains the lighter choice between the two.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect the same key feel and responsiveness, contributing to a similar typing experience. With both switches having the same travel distance, individuals will likely achieve comparable results in terms of actuation and key engagement. Since their dimensions are equal, both switches effectively offer the same performance characteristics in this aspect.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that many users find enjoyable for everyday typing and gaming alike. Its sound is crisp, engaging a pleasant auditory response without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black is characterized by a clackier, high-pitched tone, reminiscent of the sound produced when shaking a spray paint can. This distinct sound signature is crisper and percussive, delivering an auditory experience that some may find more exciting or stimulating compared to the Everfree Cedar's smoother acoustics.
When it comes to the feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is described as snappy, providing a responsive feedback that makes each keystroke feel lively and immediate. This responsiveness is likely enhanced by its longer or dual-staged springs, which contribute to the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Everfree Cedar is polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction and creates a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is notably silky, elevating the typing experience with its exceptional smoothness. This minimizes resistance during key presses and releases but also shares the polished quality, ensuring a refined feel akin to that of the Everfree Cedar.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron Ink Box Black switches have unique sonic and tactile characteristics. The Everfree Cedar offers a smoother and more satisfying poppy sound, while the Ink Box Black provides a clackier, high-pitched response. On the tactile side, the Everfree Cedar's snappy feel contrasts with the silky smoothness of the Ink Box Black. Despite their differences in sound and sensation, both switches share a polished quality that enhances the overall typing experience. For those exploring mechanical keyboards, both options deliver compelling features that can cater to a range of preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, lively typing experience with a snappy responsiveness, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent option. Its unknown bottom-out force tends to provide a light typing feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy quick, agile movements without overwhelming resistance. This switch is also a cost-effective choice that delivers a satisfying, poppy sound, making it appealing for everyday use and for those who appreciate a more spirited auditory feedback during typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a robust tactile experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the better fit for you. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a significant amount of weight that can enhance your control when typing. Its silky feel and rich sound profile evoke the sensation of using a spray paint can, which may provide a unique and enjoyable experience for those who appreciate a smoother, creamier switch. The Ink Box Black's high-pitched, clacky sound adds an engaging element, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists who enjoy audible feedback. In the end, understanding these distinctions will help you select the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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