Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing various factors, including performance, sound profile, and aesthetics. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar delivers a smooth and reliable typing experience at a budget-friendly price point, making it an appealing choice for those seeking efficiency without breaking the bank. Its poppy sound profile adds a pleasant auditory element to each keystroke, appealing to tactile feedback aficionados. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound, ideal for users who crave an auditory excitement during their typing sessions. Thanks to its silky, seamless feel and innovative light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, this switch is perfect for gamers and typists looking to elevate both performance and visual aesthetics. While both switches provide a linear experience, the Gateron Everfree excels in affordability and reliability, whereas the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 shines in sound and lighting effects. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, the similarities in their top housing design are notable. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a crisp, high-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience when typing, painting both switches with a sound signature that appeals to those seeking a sharp and defined acoustic feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting integration, ensuring vibrant illumination shines through and enhances the aesthetic appeal of mechanical keyboards.
In stark contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches markedly differ, leading to distinct sound characteristics. The Everfree (EF) Cedar employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice that produces a fuller, more rounded sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper bottom-out sound and a notably different typing feel compared to the Lightning Silver V3, whose bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate. The uniform use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings for the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to its sharper auditory feedback, producing a consistent sound profile throughout the actuation of the key.
Ultimately, the interaction of these materials creates varied typing experiences for each switch. While the Gateron Everfree's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom leads to a unique division of sound characteristics—where the top housing emphasizes a clear release sound and the nylon bottom focuses on a fuller impactful bottom-out— the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, with its entirely polycarbonate construction, delivers a more homogenous, pronounced acoustic response. Ultimately, users will appreciate the nuanced differences offered by each switch, discerning how the contrasting materials affect both the auditory cues and tactile sensations associated with their mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Lightning Silver V3, as it allows for less strain during extended use. As for the bottom out force, the Everfree Cedar's value is unavailable, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial tactile response when fully pressed down. Overall, if you’re seeking a heavier switch for a more robust typing experience, the Everfree Cedar is suitable, whereas the lighter Lightning Silver V3 would be ideal for those in need of a less taxing option for long typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 comes in at 3.4 mm, which is shorter. For those who favor a more responsive keystroke, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with greater depth in your keystrokes, the Everfree (EF) Cedar would be the ideal switch, offering a fuller typing experience. The differences in travel distance between these switches can influence user preference, with gamers often appreciating the quicker response time of shorter distances, while others may desire the more pronounced feedback from a longer travel switch.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 linear switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that many users find appealing for its balanced nature. This sound is marked by smoothness, akin to the quiet hum of a peaceful environment, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. The sharp and snappy sounds generated by the Lightning Silver V3 can create an engaging and lively atmosphere, particularly favored by users who enjoy a more expressive audio feedback from their typing. The distinct characteristics of each switch in terms of sound contribute to their overall appeal, allowing users to select one that aligns with their auditory preferences.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its reliable performance, delivering a linear typing experience that many find satisfying, although specific descriptors for its tactile quality are not provided here. Comparatively, the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance with each key press and release. Users can expect an effortless motion that enhances the typing experience, providing a seamless flow that some might find energizing during extended use. While the feel of the Everfree (EF) Cedar might also deliver an enjoyable experience, its lack of more detailed tactile descriptors prevents a direct comparison in depth.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a more subdued auditory experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a vibrant and clacky sound. On the feel front, the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its silky smoothness, whereas the Everfree (EF) Cedar's tactile qualities are less defined but still promise reliable performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and typing feel, ensuring that enthusiasts can find a switch that perfectly fits their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're after an affordable switch that delivers smooth, reliable performance and a satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option, particularly for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. This switch can suit casual gamers and typists looking for a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a switch that enhances your gaming setup with its clacky, bright sound along with vibrant RGB lighting, the Lightning Silver V3 is the way to go. Its medium resistance and silky smooth feel make it an ideal choice for fast-paced gaming, where you benefit from the tactile feedback and engaging acoustics. Consider what aspects of typing or gaming you prioritize—be it sound, feel, or performance—before making your final selection, as both switches offer unique benefits to cater to different preferences.
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