Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options from Gateron stand out: the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the New North Pole V2, both linear switches known for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Everfree Cedar is often celebrated for providing a smooth, reliable performance at a budget-friendly price point, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a satisfying, poppy sound profile without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 elevates the typing experience by eliminating the rubber dampener present in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. While both switches deliver a frictionless typing experience, the Everfree Cedar excels in affordability and sound, while the New North Pole V2 focuses on delivering enhanced smoothness and responsiveness. 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
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
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
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share an interesting similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which plays a significant role in shaping the acoustic attributes of both switches. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This clearly reflects in the auditory experience of typing on these switches, where users can expect a resonant sound that is elevated by the translucency of the polycarbonate material. For those who prioritize aesthetics and enjoy the effects of RGB lighting, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes both switches suitable choices, as light can pass through seamlessly, enhancing the visual experience during use.
Contrastingly, the materials used for the bottom housing differ significantly between the two switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar employs nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer texture. This use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound waves compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which continues the trend established by its top housing. This leads to a sharper and crisper acoustic character throughout the entire switch design, as both the top and bottom housings share similar material properties that favor clarity over warmth.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials profoundly influences the overall sound profile and tactile feedback experienced with each switch. In the case of the Everfree (EF) Cedar, the nylon bottom housing provides a counterbalance to the highs produced by the polycarbonate top, resulting in a more blended sound experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's entirely polycarbonate construction promotes uniformity in sound and feedback, favoring a consistent higher-pitched tone. Users who appreciate the polycarbonate's clarity and responsiveness will find both switches appealing, but will notice a marked difference in the acoustic richness and depth offered by the Everfree Cedar due to the nylon bottom, particularly in terms of how each switch feels and sounds at the bottom-out.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the New North Pole V2, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Everfree may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is lighter, making it a potentially better option for individuals looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, while the New North Pole V2 has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar remains unknown. This uncertainty means that, although the actuation forces differ, we cannot directly compare their bottom out forces at this time. Overall, those who favor a heavier switch might lean towards the Everfree, while those preferring a lighter touch could opt for the New North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Everfree Cedar offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for their key presses. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional feel which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a deeper and heartier experience, the New North Pole V2 would be more suitable.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. This acoustic quality makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch, free from the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, provides a crisper typing sound that contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback. Although both switches offer a pleasing sound, the EF Cedar leans more towards a softer sound profile while the New North Pole V2 excels in delivering sharp keystrokes. It's worth considering that the overall sound will also be influenced by additional factors like your keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a smooth, reliable experience typical of linear switches, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 is characterized by a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel. Users can expect a notable sense of fluidity and ease, as the minimal resistance when pressing the keys allows for effortless keystrokes. This typing experience emphasizes seamless movement, making it more enjoyable for extended typing sessions. While the Cedar provides a straightforward linear feel, the North Pole V2 enhances it with additional smoothness and finesse, catering well to enthusiasts who appreciate a refined touch.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and New North Pole V2 switches excel in their own regards, presenting sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cedar delivers a poppy sound with a straightforward linear experience, making it a cost-effective option for reliable performance. In contrast, the North Pole V2 stands out with a crisper sound profile and a luxurious typing feel, enhanced by its polished, creamy, and frictionless attributes. While both switches provide high-quality options, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize the satisfying auditory nuances or a more refined tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and a satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is a great option, especially for those who are new to mechanical keyboards and looking for smooth, reliable performance. It provides a gentle typing experience that can be perfect for casual use or long typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches might cause. On the other hand, if you want a more polished and crisper typing experience, the New North Pole V2 is the better choice. With its frictionless feel and medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it caters more to users who enjoy a bit of feedback in their keystrokes and prefer a refined typing experience. The removed dampener contributes to a more direct and engaging feel, making it suitable for gamers or anyone who might want precision in their typing. Ultimately, consider the trade-offs in sound, feel, and force when making your decision, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and preferences.
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