Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Iron, both linear switches that aim to enhance the typing experience. The Everfree Cedar stands out for its smooth and reliable performance, flush with Gateron's trusted engineering and a satisfying poppy sound profile that adds character without overwhelming the senses. On the other hand, the TTC Iron makes its mark with a distinctive clacky sound that resonates with every keystroke, providing a delightful auditory feedback while maintaining a remarkably light actuation for effortless typing. While both switches promise a pleasurable experience, your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prefer the dependable and gentle nature of the Everfree Cedar or the lively and engaging qualities of the TTC Iron. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Iron, notable differences emerge in the characteristics of the top housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer properties that contribute to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This results in a sound that tends to resonate sharply, enhancing clarity—especially evident when RGB lighting is involved due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. In contrast, the TTC Iron’s top housing is made of POM, a material that produces a more muted and deeper sound. POM's characteristics provide a unique auditory experience that leans towards a more rounded audio signature, creating a contrast to the sharper tones of the Everfree's polycarbonate. Therefore, users will notice a pronounced difference in the sound signatures of the two switches, with the Everfree delivering a brighter sound and the Iron offering a deeper quality.
The bottom housings of both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Iron draw further parallels and distinctions. The Nylon bottom housing of the Everfree switch is known for offering a deeper, fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This design enhances the overall experience by delivering a more enveloping auditory feedback when bottoming out keys. Conversely, the Iron’s POM bottom housing similarly contributes to that deeper, muted sound profile but with its unique qualities. While both switches might have deep, rounded sounds from their respective bottom housings, the Everfree's nylon will likely produce a slightly different texture when typing due to its inherent softness. Hence, while both switches will yield a rich sound experience, subtle differences in the material compositions may yield distinct results.
Despite these differences, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch reveals how the sound profiles blend during key presses. The top and bottom housing materials influence both the "bottom-out" sound and the "release" sound when a key is pressed, creating a holistic auditory experience. In the case of the Everfree (EF) Cedar, the brighter, crisp characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper, fuller qualities of the nylon bottom combine for a unique typing sensation, while in the TTC Iron, the muted POM materials in both top and bottom housing complement each other to create a cohesive auditory profile. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can achieve pleasing results, reflecting the careful design considerations of how the materials interact and unify within the mechanics of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, the distinct differences in actuation force and bottom out force become apparent. The Everfree Cedar has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires more effort to trigger a keystroke compared to the TTC Iron's lighter actuation force of 41 grams. This makes the Everfree Cedar more suitable for users who prefer a heavier feel while typing, offering a more substantial typing experience. However, it is noteworthy that the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares with the Iron's bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, if the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar were to be similar or lighter, users might find the overall typing experience more aligned with the TTC Iron in terms of feedback. For those who favor a lighter switch, particularly for extended typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Iron would be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation force and defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar switch features a shorter travel distance compared to the Iron switch, which provides a slightly longer actuation experience. If you're seeking faster response times typically favored by gamers, the Everfree Cedar might be more appealing due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, the TTC Iron, with its longer travel distance, could offer a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and keystroke depth.
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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
The sound experience of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by its satisfying and poppy sound profile, while the TTC Iron linear switch offers a more pronounced clacky sound that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This clacky quality of the Iron can resonate through a keystroke, creating a crisp and percussive sound that many typists find thrilling. While the Everfree provides a more subtle sound, both switches can contribute to an enjoyable typing environment. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound characteristics of each switch can also be influenced by the choice of the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar appears to prioritize a smooth keystroke experience, although specific tactile feedback details are not mentioned. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch is designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force gives it a buttery smooth travel that can significantly reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Iron's tactile experience is described as mild, making it approachable for a wide range of users. This balance can enhance typing comfort, particularly for those who may typify various tasks throughout the day.
Considering both the sound and feel, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and TTC Iron linear switches have their unique appeals. The Everfree focuses on a satisfying yet subtle auditory experience, while the Iron switches provide a more vibrant sound with their clacky nature and a light, smooth feel. Ultimately, while both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, your choice will largely depend on your preference for sound characteristics and feel during use. If you are looking for a more pronounced audio feedback, the Iron may be your go-to, while the Everfree may be more favorable for those keen on a smoother and quieter operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Iron linear switches, you should consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you're looking for a smooth and reliable switch that provides a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming sound, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its cost-effectiveness and Gateron’s trusted quality make it suitable for those who appreciate a finer touch without distractions, making it ideal for both work and casual use. Conversely, if you enjoy a more dynamic keystroke with a pronounced clacky sound that adds a layer of auditory pleasure to your typing, the TTC Iron is the way to go. With its light actuation force and buttery smooth travel, this switch stands out for those who value swift, fatigue-free typing and responsiveness. Ultimately, choose the Everfree Cedar for an understated, reliable feel, and opt for the TTC Iron if you desire a more engaging and tactile typing experience.
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