Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Everfree Cedar stands out as a cost-effective option, renowned for its smooth, reliable performance and a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize consistency and an engaging auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink captivates users with its beautiful translucent design and a lighter typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack, captivating those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience. Each switch caters to different user preferences—whether you are looking for durability and a pleasing sound or a silky feel combined with eye-catching aesthetics. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, one notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, making it suitable for users who enjoy a clear and resonant audio experience, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which while also producing a pointed high-pitched sound, offers a slightly clackier auditory feedback without straying into the realm of harshness. Although both materials yield a higher sound profile, the polycarbonate’s note seems to resonate more sharply, while the INK blend retains a more rounded tonality.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a shift in character between the two switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar's nylon bottom housing is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributable to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which contrasts with the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The INK blend here maintains its identity with a pointed, high-pitched sound that remains engaging without being overly sharp or harsh—a feature that echoes its top housing qualities. This coexistence of higher sound profiles in both switches showcases how the materials play distinct roles, coloring the overall acoustic signature while emphasizing different ranges of sound.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to unique, yet comparable auditory outcomes. For users who appreciate a crisper sound, the Everfree (EF) Cedar suits their preferences with its polycarbonate top. Conversely, those who prefer a thinner yet satisfying auditory profile might lean towards the Ink Box Pink. Although the bottom housings differ in their qualities—nylon creating a fuller sound versus INK blending a clackier elevation—both can yield satisfying results. When pressed, the audible feedback from the switches will reflect the distinctive properties of both top and bottom housings, ensuring that regardless of the chosen switch, users enjoy a rich sound experience that caters to their typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Ink Box Pink, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Ink Box Pink may provide a lighter feel, potentially making it more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while the Everfree Cedar offers a firmer push, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, whereas the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This additional information indicates that users of the Ink Box Pink will encounter a more defined resistance when bottoming out. Overall, while both switches serve their purposes well, the Ink Box Pink allows for a lighter touch during actuation and bottoming out, while the Everfree Cedar, with its unknown bottom out force, remains a heavier option based on actuation alone.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a consistent keystroke depth when using either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience, allowing for a comparable feel during key presses. Consequently, whether you opt for the Everfree Cedar or the Ink Box Pink, you can expect the same level of responsiveness and actuation distance, making them interchangeable for those who prioritize switch travel distance in their keyboard setup.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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 switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is generally soft and pleasant for everyday typing. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking for a subtle auditory feedback without excessive noise. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is characterized by a high-pitched clack that delivers a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It produces a bright, crisp tone which can be quite engaging for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience during their typing sessions. While both switches offer appealing sound qualities, the Everfree Cedar leans towards a more understated sound while the Ink Box Pink showcases a more vibrant and pronounced auditory presence.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer a smooth and reliable typing experience, ideally suited for users who prefer a linear switch that minimizes resistance and allows for fluid key travel. While specific tactile descriptions are not provided, their smooth nature implies a comfortable experience with minimal interruptions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with an exceptionally smooth action. This results in reduced friction and offers a refined finish, making each keystroke feel effortless. Thus, while both switches provide a smooth experience, the Ink Box Pink takes it a step further with its exceptionally refined feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Ink Box Pink linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Everfree Cedar is a solid choice for those looking for a balanced and subtle auditory experience paired with reliable performance, while the Ink Box Pink will appeal to those who favor a lively sound combined with an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile and tactile sensation while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you are looking for an economical switch that emphasizes reliability and smooth performance without a pronounced auditory character, the Everfree (EF) Cedar would be an excellent option. Its design is geared towards providing a subdued, yet smooth experience, which can be ideal for long typing sessions where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a delightful auditory feedback along with a silky feel, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink is likely more to your taste. Its clacky, high-pitched sound can enhance your typing experience by adding a layer of engagement, making it suitable for both gaming and typing when you desire an enjoyable acoustic response. Consider your environment and how you plan to use your keyboard to make the best choice, as both switches cater to different preferences that can significantly impact your overall satisfaction.
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