Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Red are two compelling linear switches that cater to different user needs. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent cost-effective option for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. Its unique poppy sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red is designed for users who prefer a lighter touch, featuring a lower actuation force that facilitates effortless typing. This switch boasts a silky and polished feel alongside a crispy, clacky sound profile that many find appealing. While both switches offer linear performance with their smooth keystrokes, their distinct sound characteristics and tactile feedback cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Red differ significantly in their top housing materials, which affects their sound profiles during use. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This rigidity enhances the resonance of the key presses, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a clear auditory feedback, especially when used in conjunction with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also yields a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile but is noted for being not overly sharp. This difference suggests that while both switches deliver similar high-pitched sounds, the EF Cedar's polycarbonate construction creates a distinct crispness that can set it apart from the clackiness associated with the Ink Red's blend.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials that contributes to their overall auditory experience. The EF Cedar employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound better. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also supports a high-pitched sound profile but is less focused on creating the same depth as nylon. This leads to a contrasting overall sound texture; while both switches share a clacky sound, the EF Cedar’s nylon bottom can provide a more rounded bottom-out sound that enriches the typing experience. This essential difference highlights how the nylon bottom demystifies the overall acoustics of the EF Cedar compared to the more sharply defined tones from the Ink Red.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials of the top and bottom housings in the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Ink Red switches illustrate the complexity of sound profiles and typing experiences in mechanical keyboards. The EF Cedar, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, is designed to achieve a more pronounced clarity and fullness, while the Ink Red's materials work together to produce a consistent high-pitched clack. Users looking for a crisper sound may prefer the EF Cedar, while those who enjoy a sharper, clackier feedback may find the Ink Red more appealing. Despite these distinctions, both switches can deliver great auditory results thanks to their quality manufacturing and material choices, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for different user preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Red switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch, particularly during long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Everfree's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. As for the bottom out forces, while the Ink Red switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is currently unavailable. Therefore, we can't directly compare the bottom out characteristics of the two switches. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch would gravitate towards the Gateron Ink Red, while the Everfree Cedar's higher actuation force caters to users who favor a firmer keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, the Ink Red will provide a more pronounced depth, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial key press experience. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar's shorter travel distance may enhance responsiveness, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. The distinction in travel distances suggests that individuals who prefer a more gradual change in key depth might lean towards the Ink Red, whereas those who appreciate a snappier feel may opt for the Everfree Cedar. Thus, the Everfree Cedar is the shorter option, while the Ink Red is the longer 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 Gateron Ink Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 provides a pleasant auditory feedback when typing. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic response without being overly loud. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red offers a slightly more complex sound signature, described as both neutral and chirpy, featuring a moderate actuation force and a hint of squeak. This combination creates a distinctive auditory experience that can set the Ink Reds apart, making them enjoyable for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound while typing. However, it's important to note that the sound can vary based on factors such as keyboard construction and keycap choice.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch provides a smooth and reliable typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users seeking efficiency in their keystrokes. The Gateron Ink Red, on the other hand, has a more nuanced tactile experience, being described as silky, mild, and polished. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. The polished finish enhances this characteristic, allowing for a more refined keypress that many may find particularly satisfying.
Overall, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Ink Red linear switches cater to different preferences while maintaining a foundation of smooth performance. If you're looking for a straightforward, poppy sound and reliable feel, the Everfree Cedar is a solid choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more vibrant sound with a silky and polished typing experience, the Ink Reds may appeal more. Ultimately, while they each have their unique attributes, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, making either a worthy consideration depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch largely depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a switch that offers a lightweight actuation, an effortless typing experience, and a smooth sound profile, the Ink Red is likely the better option for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it ideal for those who type with a lighter touch, providing a satisfying, silky feel that's accessible to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you're looking for a cost-effective switch that still delivers smooth performance and a unique poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch may be your best bet, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback while typing. Overall, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits, sound preferences, and the overall experience you seek in your mechanical keyboard, as this will guide you to the best choice for your needs.
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