Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Orange stand out as noteworthy contenders, each catering to distinct preferences in typing experiences. The Everfree EF Cedar, with its snappy and polished feel, offers a smooth and reliable performance that appeals to gamers and typists alike, all while being an affordable option within Gateron's sub-brand lineup. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches are designed for those seeking a bouncier typing experience; their long spring and high-quality materials create a frictionless and fluid key travel that is excellent for sustained typing sessions, complemented by a low-pitched sound profile. While the Everfree Cedar leans towards a more traditional linear feel with its satisfying pop, the KTT Orange emphasizes a playful bounce that can enhance your typing rhythm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Orange switches share a commonality in their choice of top housing material, both employing polycarbonate. This material is lauded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic dimension, making it especially suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the clear housing and accentuate the illumination effects. Consequently, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience during the actuation and release phases of key presses, contributing to a brighter and more resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for its softer nature which absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts sharply with the KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing, which, similar to its top housing, produces a clearer and more pronounced sound due to its stiffness. Thus, while the top housings of both switches create a bright sound signature, the bottom housings introduce a noticeable difference: the EF Cedar delivers a richer base tone, while the KTT Orange retains the sharper characteristics throughout.
In terms of the overall sound and feel when using these switches, the blending of these materials results in distinct profiles. For the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, the nylon bottom housing enhances the tactile feedback with a rounded sound, especially at the bottom-out point, while the polycarbonate top contributes to the final note as the key is released. With the KTT Orange, the uniform use of polycarbonate on both the top and bottom housings creates a more consistent and bright auditory experience throughout each keystroke. Therefore, while typing on either switch, users can expect a variance in sound and feel that reflects the unique contributions of their chosen materials, underscoring the importance of housing composition in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, notable differences in weight and tactile experience emerge. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier compared to the KTT Orange's actuation force of 46 grams, signaling that the Cedar will require more effort to register a keystroke. This heavier actuation force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter KTT Orange could be more suitable for those looking for comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. As for bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force remains unknown, while the KTT Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, characterized as medium-light. This means that users of the Orange may experience a softer impact upon pressing the key fully down, which can enhance comfort and reduce fatigue. Overall, if an individual prioritizes a more significant resistance and feedback, the Everfree Cedar would be the choice, whereas those preferring a lighter feel might opt for the KTT Orange.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch differ slightly, with the EF Cedar having a travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the KTT Orange's 3.5 mm. This makes the KTT Orange the shorter option by just one-tenth of a millimeter, which could appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile depth. Both switches deliver relatively similar experiences in terms of travel distance and can cater to different preferences based on individual comfort and usage style.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Orange linear switches, the Everfree Cedar is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile that gives a lively auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the KTT Orange features a low-pitched sound that offers a bass-heavy, mellow tone, making for a quieter and more subdued typing experience. While the Everfree Cedar's sound can be expected to be more pronounced, both switches will ultimately vary in sound depending on the specific keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are snappy and polished, providing a responsive typing experience aided by their refined design that reduces friction. This snappiness can make each keystroke feel vibrant and engaging. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is described as bouncy and frictionless, offering an elastic feedback and a remarkably smooth typing sensation. The slight difference in the feel could appeal to different users; those who prefer a more dynamic and engaging response might gravitate toward the Everfree Cedar, while the bounciness and smoother action of the KTT Orange may attract those seeking effortless typing.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Orange linear switches deliver unique qualities, they can cater to different preferences based on sound and feel. The Everfree Cedar tends to offer a brighter, more pronounced auditory experience alongside a snappy and polished feel, making it suitable for those wanting a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Orange provides a quieter, low-pitched sound with a bouncy and frictionless touch that may appeal to users desiring a smoother, gentler keypress. Depending on personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback, each switch can create an enjoyable typing experience, and users can expect to find satisfaction in either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Orange linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and intended use. If you favor a snappy and polished feel with a satisfying poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be the ideal choice for you. These switches excel in providing a responsive experience that can enhance typing speed, making them a great fit for typists or gamers who value quick, engaging feedback. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Orange is likely the better option. These switches deliver a smooth, elastic feel and refined sound, perfect for those who enjoy a mellow typing atmosphere or prefer a cushioned feedback while typing or gaming. Thus, consider what aspects are most important to your typing experience—whether it's the snappiness and polished feel of the Everfree Cedar or the bounciness and fluidity of the KTT Orange—and make your choice accordingly.
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