Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Laurel each offer unique features and characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Everfree Cedar stands out for its smooth and reliable performance, using Gateron's trusted proprietary mold to deliver a satisfying and poppy sound profile that users often find enjoyable. Its cost-effectiveness makes it an appealing option for those looking to balance quality and affordability. In contrast, the KTT Laurel brings a medium-light feel, crafted from full POM housing and designed with a short travel and long pole configuration, resulting in a responsive yet comfortable keypress. With a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel appeals to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of a snappy switch. Both switches cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider what specific qualities matter most to you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Laurel, notable differences arise in the choice of top housing. The Everfree Cedar employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucent quality of polycarbonate not only serves aesthetic purposes, especially in the context of RGB lighting, but also contributes to the overall auditory experience when key presses are released. In contrast, the KTT Laurel utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which creates a sound profile that leans towards being deeper and more muted. This results in a different auditory experience when letting go of a key, highlighting the contrasting nature of the two materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches feature distinctive materials that affect the overall sound profile. The Everfree Cedar incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer qualities of nylon help to absorb some sound, creating a more rounded auditory experience during key presses. Meanwhile, the KTT Laurel features POM for its bottom housing as well. Similar to the nylon in the Cedar, POM imparts a unique and pleasing sound, although it carries its own specific tonal qualities that further emphasize the muted sound profile. Thus, while each switch harnesses different materials for its top housing, the bottom housings introduce their individual unique sounds, which are equally significant in shaping the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities in the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree Cedar and KTT Laurel contribute to distinct yet nuanced typing experiences. While the Everfree Cedar’s polycarbonate top creates a bright and resonant sound alongside a fuller nylon bottom, the KTT Laurel provides a deeper, more muted profile with both its POM top and bottom housings. It is conceivable that users could achieve similar results in sound dynamics through careful consideration of typing technique and switch configuration. However, the intrinsic materials distinctly influence the auditory feedback and tactile sensations experienced during use, making each switch unique to its design choices.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the KTT Laurel linear switch, notable differences in actuation force highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, while the KTT Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This lighter force may appeal to users looking for a more comfortable typing experience during extended sessions, whether for work or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel switch has a known force of 50 grams, while the Cedar's bottom out force remains unspecified. Therefore, while the Everfree Cedar provides a firmer push, which some users may find satisfying, the KTT Laurel offers a more delicate touch, with a known bottom out pressure that further supports lighter key presses. Thus, users who prefer a heavier and more substantial feel should opt for the Everfree Cedar, while those seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience will likely favor the Laurel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, the differences are notable. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar offers a bit more depth and may provide a more substantial feel when pressed, which could appeal to users who prefer a heartier typing experience. In contrast, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Laurel might be more suited for gamers or those who favor quicker responses during their usage. Thus, if responsiveness is your priority, the Laurel could provide that benefit, whereas the Everfree Cedar may be a better choice for those who appreciate a more traditional, deeper keystroke. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the Everfree Cedar stands out with its longer travel of 3.6 mm compared to the Laurel's 3.5 mm.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 linear switch offers a satisfying yet poppy sound profile that tends to please those looking for an engaging auditory experience. This poppy characteristic can provide a sense of feedback, enhancing the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is noted for its subtly low-pitched sound profile. This low-pitched quality results in a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, which can be more soothing for some users compared to the more pronounced pop of the Cedar switch. It’s important to acknowledge that the actual sound can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but generally, these two switches showcase distinct tonal characteristics.
In terms of feel, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Laurel switches share a similar snappy responsiveness, which makes both options notably engaging during typing sessions. The Cedar switch enhances this experience with a polished finish that reduces friction, resulting in smooth key travel and a refined feel under your fingers. This polished quality makes the typing experience feel sleek and fluid. While the Laurel also provides that snappiness, its description does not mention any additional features regarding smoothness or finishing, leaving it with a slightly less refined feel compared to the Cedar. However, users can still expect a very lively and responsive typing experience from both switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Laurel linear switches offer unique subjective qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Cedar switch provides a poppy sound with a polished feel, while the Laurel showcases a low-pitched sound with equal responsiveness. Whether you choose the Cedar for its auditory feedback and smooth typing experience or the Laurel for its subtle, mellow sound, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Laurel linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prioritize a cost-effective option that guarantees smooth and reliable performance with a poppy sound, the Everfree Cedar is a strong choice. Its snappy and polished feel enhances the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate an engaging and responsive interaction with their keyboard. Alternatively, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel may be more suitable for you. This switch’s unique design offers a nice balance of responsiveness and comfort, making it a great option for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches provide different experiences; if you lean towards a louder and more tactile typing sensation, go for the Everfree Cedar, but if you prefer a quieter, more refined feel with a measured keystroke, the KTT Laurel is the way to go.
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