Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Jerrzi Lotus V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Lotus V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Lotus V2 both offer unique advantages for typists and gamers alike, despite their shared linear characteristics. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing an enjoyable typing experience at a budget-friendly price point. With its satisfying, poppy sound profile, it appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback while maintaining a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Lotus V2 embraces a minimalist approach, focusing on delivering a straightforward typing feel that prioritizes consistency and precision, though it lacks specific standout features in its description. Choosing the right switch often depends on personal preferences, such as sound, feel, or budget considerations; 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Lotus V2 exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which contribute to their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, clearer, and higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This property enhances acoustic resonance and pairs exceptionally well with RGB lighting, given its translucency. In contrast, the Lotus V2 is equipped with a POM top housing that yields a more muted, deeper sound profile. The differences in these materials indicate a divergence in acoustic performance, with Everfree providing crisp sounds and the Lotus V2 generating a more subdued and rounded auditory experience.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housing, the Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to the switch's overall sound being duller and more rounded. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Lotus V2 incorporates a POM bottom housing, which also brings a deep sound profile but with its own unique qualities. Both switches present an opportunity to experience a more muted lower sound, but the specific tonal qualities and characteristics of nylon and POM result in different auditory nuances.
Ultimately, the combination of these differing materials in each switch leads to a nuanced experience concerning sound and typing feel. While the top housings of the Everfree and Lotus V2 provide contrasting sound profiles—crispy versus muted—their bottom housings both lean towards deeper sounds, albeit with different attributes. Users might find that, despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback due to the complementary nature of each housing's properties. Consequently, even though the switches employ different materials, enthusiasts can enjoy a gratifying typing experience that caters to both their acoustics and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jerrzi Lotus V2 linear switch present clear differences regarding actuation forces, with the Everfree requiring 55 grams to actuate compared to the Lotus V2's lighter 45-gram actuation force. This indicates that the Lotus V2 would likely be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as its lighter touch could reduce finger fatigue over time. In terms of bottom-out force, however, both switches share the same limitation of having unavailable data, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison for that aspect. Nevertheless, given that the Everfree has a heavier actuation force, it is reasonable to infer that it may also have a heavier bottom-out force. Therefore, the Everfree switch will generally provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger force, while the Lotus V2 caters to those favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jerrzi Lotus V2 linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Everfree Cedar boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus V2 features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Lotus V2 the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker reaction times, although some may find the shorter distance too abrupt. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar, with its longer travel distance, might be more appealing for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel while typing. Overall, this comparison illustrates the trade-off between quick responsiveness and a more pronounced tactile experience in the realm of linear switches.
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 Jerrzi Lotus V2 has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus V2 for $3.59.
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 is noted for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience when typing. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a little feedback from their keystrokes without the clickiness of tactile or clicky switches. Conversely, the sound quality of the Jerrzi Lotus V2 remains undisclosed, leaving potential users in the dark regarding its auditory characteristics. However, it’s important to remember that switch sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a solid option for both typing and gaming. Its linear nature means that there is no tactile bump or audible click, allowing for uninterrupted key presses, which many users find appealing for fast-paced tasks. The feel of the Jerrzi Lotus V2 is unknown, which means potential buyers cannot compare its performance directly with that of the Everfree switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a dependable sound and feel with its poppy auditory profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a great entry-level switch for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. The unknown qualities of the Jerrzi Lotus V2 mean that potential users may want to test it out in person to discover what it has to offer. If you’re seeking something reliable and known, the Everfree Cedar clearly stands out, while the Lotus V2 remains a mystery, potentially yielding similar or different results based on personal experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Lotus V2 linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you value a smooth and reliable performance with a satisfying and poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar may be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those looking for an affordable yet high-quality option that delivers a gratifying tactile experience without any harsh interruptions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more balanced feel with unique characteristics that enhance your typing or gaming sessions, the Lotus V2 could be the way to go. While specific details about the Lotus V2's sound and feel weren't provided, you might appreciate exploring its nuances through hands-on experience to find out if it aligns with your tactile preferences. In the end, your decision should reflect how each switch complements your typing style and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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