Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When delving into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Everfree Cedar, known for its smooth and reliable performance, offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, all while being a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a subtly smooth typing experience, boasting a delightful balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble to ensure premium performance. While the Everfree Cedar appeals to those who value a pronounced audio feedback at an accessible price, the Matcha Latte V2 shines for users seeking a refined tactile experience with added durability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you 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
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, we note significant differences in their top materials while the bottom housings share the same composition. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This attribute allows for a more resonant sound, particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 uses a POK (polyketone) top housing, which boasts a unique coefficient of friction that contributes to its smoothness. Though POK is durable and clacky, it does not achieve the same high-pitched sound profile as polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches may offer distinct auditory experiences, they will deliver different sound textures based on the top housing material used.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile experience. Nylon is recognized for absorbing sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper auditory experience. This shared bottom housing material means that, when typing on either switch, you'll experience that classic, softer feel typical of nylon, contributing to a rounded and smooth bottom-out sound. In both cases, the introduction of nylon allows for a cohesive and comfortable typing experience, grounding the switches in familiarity, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of materials leads to distinct characteristics in typing experience and sound. Given their different top hoppers, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Huano Matcha Latte V2 achieve different auditory feedback; however, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures comparable sensations when bottoming out or releasing a key. The contrast between the sharper sounds produced by the EF Cedar's polycarbonate top and the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2's POK top creates unique yet complementary experiences. Therefore, while you may find a certain similarity in the softness of the nylon bottom, the overall sound profiles and tactile sensations provided by the top housing will align more closely with individual preferences for typing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the Everfree Cedar requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons may find the Matcha Latte V2 more comfortable, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Everfree Cedar. As for the bottom out forces, both switches have this information listed as unavailable, which makes it impossible to compare them directly in this aspect. However, since the actuation forces differ, it is expected that the overall feel when bottoming out would be influenced accordingly, with the heavier switch likely providing a firmer response. Therefore, while both switches offer a distinct experience, the Everfree Cedar is heavier, and the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This matching distance ensures that both switches deliver a consistent keypress experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with a standard travel depth. Since the distances are equal, either switch will provide comparable results in terms of responsiveness and actuation force during typing or gaming sessions.
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 Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99 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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that makes typing feel engaging and responsive. The sound signature is likely characterized by its clarity and a slight resonance that can elevate the overall acoustic experience when paired with the right keyboard and keycap combination. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is designed to offer a smooth, subtle sound that prioritizes a quieter typing experience while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback with its well-balanced acoustics. Both switches showcase their unique sounds, but ultimately, the overall acoustic experience will also depend on the specific keyboard build and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is recognized for its smooth, reliable performance, which caters well to typists seeking consistent keypresses. It provides a light yet satisfying action that encourages fluid typing, contributing to a dynamic feel that can enhance typing speed. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and subtle linear typing experience, featuring a combination of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. The generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble further complement this switch's tactile attributes, setting it apart as a premium option for those who prefer a smooth and reliable typing experience without any distractions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored for different preferences. The Cedar excels with its poppy sound and reliable feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 impresses with its smooth operation and less pronounced sound signature. Whichever you choose, you can expect satisfying performance due to their thoughtful designs, making them excellent options for newcomers gaining familiarity with mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel during your typing or gaming experience. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable performance at an accessible price while enjoying a distinctive poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent pick. It's designed for those who appreciate a cost-effective multilinear option without compromising on quality. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a smooth and subtle linear typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel, complemented by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, then the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice for you. This switch delivers a premium linear performance that blends lightness with satisfying feedback, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you in terms of sound and tactile feedback to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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