Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the best fit for your typing style, and two popular linear options worth considering are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Kang White. The Everfree Cedar stands out for its smooth and reliable performance combined with a satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a responsive feel without sacrificing affordability. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White elevates the linear switch experience with its exquisite sound and self-lubricating material, providing unparalleled smoothness for those who seek a luxurious typing sensation. While both switches cater to similar tastes in linear feel, the Everfree Cedar offers a more robust sound profile, while the Kang White focuses on a quieter yet equally satisfying experience. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Kang White share a significant similarity in their top housing materials, both constructed from polycarbonate. This choice of material ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for each switch. Polycarbonate’s stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switches are engaged, making it an ideal option for users looking for an auditory response that is bright and precise. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes both switches particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, as they allow light to filter through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard.
Contrasting the top housing, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which diverges from the properties of polycarbonate. Nylon as a material is known for its softer characteristics, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder sound that contrasts significantly with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, while both the EF Cedar and the Kang White possess polycarbonate tops promoting brightness and clarity, their nylon undersides work in unison to provide a fuller auditory experience, balancing the overall sound output of each switch.
In terms of performance and overall sensory experience, both switches will exhibit distinct characteristics largely defined by their respective housing materials. The polycarbonate top ensures a crisper sound whenever a key is released, while the nylon bottom influences the sound and feel during the key press. Users can expect a harmonious blend of auditory properties—sharpness from the top and fullness from the bottom—resulting in a well-rounded typing experience. While the materials differ, both switches can provide a satisfying blend of sound profiles, highlighted by the top and bottom combinations that effectively complement each other.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, we see a distinct difference in actuation force and an uncertainty in bottom out force. The Everfree Cedar has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Kang White. This means that typists who prefer a firmer push may favor the Everfree Cedar, while those who enjoy a lighter touch would find the Kang White more comfortable, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, which leaves a gap in comparison to the Kang White's bottom out force of 58 grams. Regardless, what we do know is that the Kang White is lighter in actuation force, making it more suitable for those seeking a gentler typing experience, while the Everfree Cedar caters to those who appreciate a stronger typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kang White features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the KTT Kang White offers a more traditional feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keypress and a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar caters to gamers and users who value rapid response times and a more immediate feedback from their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences regarding key depth and responsiveness, with the Everfree Cedar being the shorter option and the Kang White providing a more traditional, longer travel experience.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are noted for their satisfying, poppy sound profile, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing, making them ideal for users who enjoy a noticeable acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switches present a dazzling auditory quality, specifically characterized as low-pitched. This quality typically provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a different yet appealing soundscape. While the Everfree switches offer a more pronounced pop, the more subdued and deeper tones of the Kang White cater to those who prefer a softer auditory experience. The final sound result can also significantly depend on other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches provide a snappy and polished typing experience. Their snappiness stems from the longer or dual-staged springs, which enhance responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively. They also exhibit a smooth and refined finish, leading to reduced friction and a sleek travel experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the KTT Kang White switches remains unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare. However, since the Kang White is mentioned as exquisite and self-lubricating, one might expect a similar level of smoothness in their actuation, potentially appealing to users seeking that refined tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Kang White linear switches present some distinct differences in sound and potentially in feel. The Everfree Cedar’s poppy sound and snappy, polished typing experience highlight its engaging nature, while the Kang White offers a low-pitched, mellower auditory profile that stands out for its smoothness. Overall, while both switches may cater to different preferences, one can anticipate a satisfying typing experience with each, depending on individual needs and the keyboard setup chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Kang White linear switches, consider your individual typing preferences and the type of experience you wish to achieve. If you appreciate a snappy, polished feel with a responsive action, the Gateron Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for fast-paced typists and gamers who value a smooth, reliable performance without a distinctly heavy actuation force. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more balanced typing experience with a bit more resistance and a richer, low-pitched sound profile, the Kang White may be the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force offers a satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm, combined with its self-lubricating design for a buttery smooth experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how these characteristics align with your personal preferences—whether you seek a lighter, agile feel or a more grounded, textured typing experience.
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