Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) present two appealing yet distinct choices for enthusiasts. The Everfree Cedar is renowned for its smooth, reliable performance and poppy sound profile, making it a cost-effective option ideal for those seeking a satisfying linear switch without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and "thocky" sound, offering a rich auditory experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. Its thicker resistance enhances tactile feedback, placing it firmly in the realm of an all-rounder switch that caters well to both gaming and typing demands. While both switches provide excellent performance and cater to budget-conscious consumers, they each bring unique characteristics to the table. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro's top housing is made of nylon, a material known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a more rounded and deeper auditory experience. While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, leading to a similar acoustic depth during key presses, the disparity in top housing material significantly affects each switch's overall sound profile.
The bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which allows them to share certain acoustic properties. Nylon is recognized for its capacity to deliver a fuller and deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities. As users press the keys on either switch, they may notice that the bottom-out sound feels predominantly impacted by the nylon's characteristics. While the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top contributes to a crisper sound when releasing the key, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a more muted response. Thus, although both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, the presence of different top materials means that the overall typing experience and sound feedback will vary, contributing to each switch's unique sound signature.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) shape the user experience significantly. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Everfree Cedar results in a distinct typing feel that emphasizes clarity and resonance, whereas the nylon top in the Milky Yellow Pro focuses more on warmth and a rigid softness. This division in materials illustrates how the unique attributes of each affect not just the acoustics, but also the tactile sensation users experience while typing. Consequently, both switches offer exceptional performances within their respective sound profiles, and while their nylon bottom housings serve similar functions, the overarching auditory landscape finds its distinction in the choice of top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Milky Yellow Pro, which has a 50-gram actuation force. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar does not have an available measurement, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Thus, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more defined impact when bottoming out, likely contributing to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is heavier when considering its actuation force, but lacks definitive bottom out data, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro provides a balance of lighter actuation with a medium bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Everfree switch having a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Everfree switch may be the more advantageous option, as it offers a shorter travel distance that could facilitate quicker key presses, ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value responsiveness and speed, or you lean towards a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel.
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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is expected to provide a pleasant auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a deeper, bassy sound that is often described as "thocky," producing a rich and full-bodied noise with each keypress. This lower-pitched acoustic profile may appeal to users who prefer a sound that evokes the comforting depth of a soft thud when typing. While the Everfree offers a more lively sound, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a thicker auditory experience, making it an interesting comparison in terms of their sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its smoothness and reliability, although specific details on its tactile qualities aren't provided. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is acclaimed for its buttery smoothness, enabling a fluid and seamless keystroke experience. Many users appreciate the textured sensation offered by certain switches, but the Milky Yellow Pro leans towards a very smooth typing experience, potentially making it feel more comfortable for long typing sessions or intense gaming. Thus, while the Cedar's specifics are less defined, the overall reputation of the Milky Yellow Pro clearly highlights a focus on effortless engagement.
Considering both switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) present distinct yet appealing offerings for keyboard enthusiasts. The Everfree is positioned as a cost-effective option that excels in a lively sound profile and reliable performance, while the Milky Yellow Pro stands out with its rich, thocky sound and exceptionally smooth keystrokes, making it a favored choice among budget-conscious users. Depending on your priorities—be it sound or feel—both switches can provide a satisfying experience, yet they cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in both sound and feel, along with the type of tasks you'll be using your keyboard for. If you're seeking a smooth, reliable performance with a poppy and engaging sound profile that also comes at an attractive price, the Everfree Cedar switch could be an excellent choice for you—especially if you enjoy a lighter key press without the need for a defined bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you favor a tactile, “thocky” experience with a medium resistance that provides satisfying feedback during both gaming and typing, the Milky Yellow Pro is the quintessential all-rounder switch. Its buttery keystrokes and deep, bassy sound cater well to enthusiasts who appreciate a thicker resistance and an overall richer auditory experience. In essence, if you're looking for versatility and a robust performance across various activities, go for the Milky Yellow Pro, but if you prioritize cost-effectiveness with a unique character, the Everfree Cedar will serve you well.
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