Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Mannan Pipefish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Mannan Pipefish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Mannan Pipefish both offer unique advantages yet cater to different preferences among users. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, delivering a satisfying poppy sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. Its categorization as ‘Snappy’ and ‘Polished’ allows for an engaging typing experience, making it a cost-effective choice for those who enjoy a responsive feel without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish focuses on effortless typing with its smooth linear action, featuring a lighter 45g actuation force paired with a lengthened spring for added comfort. Lauded for its ‘Neutral’ and ‘Polished’ characteristics, this switch is tailored for casual typists seeking a delightful and strain-free experience. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their tonal feedback and actuation dynamics present different typing experiences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Yes
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Mannan Pipefish share a similar choice of housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This commonality includes the inherent acoustic properties of polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound that appeals to users looking for clarity in their typing experience. The translucency of the material also adds to its functionality in aesthetic applications, especially with RGB lighting, making both switches visually striking in illuminated setups. Consequently, users of these switches can expect a comparable auditory experience when it comes to the sound profiles created by the top housings.
Conversely, the bottom housings differ significantly between the two switches, with both incorporating nylon as the chosen material. Nylon's softer properties contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which inherently absorbs more sound energy, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. This differentiation plays a crucial role in how each switch feels and sounds when bottomed out. While the top housing's polycarbonate provides the higher-frequency clarity during key releases, the nylon bottom housing's acoustic characteristics offer a contrasting, richer sound when the switch is pressed down. The combination of these materials in both switches creates a unique blend of auditory profiles, with the nylon bottom housing enriching the overall sound with its softer impact.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Mannan Pipefish share similar qualities through their polycarbonate top housings, the unique bottom housing materials cultivate distinct sound experiences. The interplay between the hard and soft plastics generates a balanced acoustic signature for each switch, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch performance. Users can find satisfaction in both options, knowing that despite differing bottom housing materials, the synergy of polycarbonate and nylon will yield complementary sound profiles that enhance their typing experience, allowing for versatility in user preferences and gaming setups alike.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it relatively heavier compared to the Mannan Pipefish, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, such as for work or extended gaming, where fatigue can be a factor. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Cedar switch can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer touch. Regarding the bottom-out forces, the Mannan Pipefish features a bottom-out force of 45 grams, while the bottom-out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown. As a result, if both switches had the same bottom-out force, users could expect similar feedback when bottoming out, but since the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force is currently not specified, it leaves some uncertainty in that regard. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is geared toward enthusiasts who appreciate a firmer feel, while the Mannan Pipefish caters to those who favor a lighter, more responsive action.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switch, we find a noticeable difference. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mannan Pipefish measures 4 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced key travel. In contrast, the Mannan Pipefish, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more tactile and hearty feel, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as those favoring quicker actuation might opt for the Everfree Cedar, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press might lean towards the Mannan Pipefish.
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 Mannan Pipefish has an MSRP of $3.53 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mannan Pipefish for $3.05.
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 switch is known for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, making it an enjoyable option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the KTT Mannan Pipefish provides a more neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound profile. This makes the Mannan Pipefish versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Although both switches may produce different auditory experiences, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used with them.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer a snappy and polished typing experience. The snappy responsiveness is attributed to their dual-staged springs, which enhance the overall liveliness of typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel, reducing friction for an effortless typing experience. Similarly, the Mannan Pipefish also boasts a polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel as well. This indicates that both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, making them appealing for users who seek comfort and precision.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Mannan Pipefish offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar leans towards a more vibrant auditory experience, while the Mannan Pipefish provides a versatile and neutral sound. Both switches excel in providing a polished feel, emphasizing a smooth typing experience. Choosing between them will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound, but typists can expect comfort from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Mannan Pipefish linear switches, consider your personal typing style and environment. If you prefer a switch that offers a snappy and responsive feel, the Everfree Cedar is a great choice, especially if you're looking for smooth, reliable performance and enjoy a satisfying poppy sound during use. This switch excels for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience and may suit gamers or users who type with more force. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lighter touch while typing and prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Mannan Pipefish would be more appropriate. Its 45-gram actuation and bottom-out force provide a comfortable experience for casual typists, making it ideal for longer periods of typing without strain. Ultimately, both switches feature a polished feel, ensuring a smooth key travel, but your specific preferences for responsiveness versus lightness and sound will guide your final decision.
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