Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Peach 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 Peach both present compelling options for users seeking a linear feel. The Everfree Cedar is widely appreciated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a snappy and polished typing experience that many gamers and typists find satisfying. Its poppy sound profile adds a unique auditory element that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Peach excels in providing a syrupy smooth feel with a deep, thocky sound that appeals to those who favor a more subdued auditory profile. The Peach switches are known for their neutral and mild characteristics, making them versatile for various typing preferences. While the Cedar offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a vibrant sound, the Peach provides a quieter and smoother experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Peach switches showcase a striking similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate for this purpose. The implications of using polycarbonate are significant, as it contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience while typing. This stiffer plastic characteristic ensures that the sound generated is clear and resonant, leading to an enjoyable tactile experience. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate, given its translucency, allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches ideal for those who enjoy customizing their keyboards with luminous features.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, they also employ nylon for their bottom housing. Here, the nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material tends to absorb more sound than its harder counterparts, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic quality. Thus, while the top housing accentuates the high frequencies and clarity, the nylon bottom adds warmth and depth to the overall sound signature when typing. This creates a balanced sound experience, with each housing material highlighting different acoustic qualities and maintaining a cohesive auditory performance.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Peach ensures that users can expect a well-rounded typing experience. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing empowers both switches with crispness and brightness, while the nylon bottom enhances the overall sound dynamics by providing depth. Consequently, even though they are categorized as different switches, the shared materials will yield similar results in terms of sound profile and performance. This harmonization of sound characteristics allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds—clarity from the top housing and richness from the bottom—regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier than the KTT Peach’s actuation force of 45 grams. This implies that the Everfree Cedar provides a more substantial typing experience, potentially favored by users who appreciate a stronger push feel when typing. Conversely, the Peach switch, being lighter, allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended use. Regarding the bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar has an unknown bottom out force, while the KTT Peach’s bottom out force is specified at 53 grams. Therefore, despite the positive aspect of the Cedar’s heavier actuation providing a firmer feel, the Peach’s known bottom out force makes its responsiveness more predictable. In summary, the KTT Peach is the lighter switch, while the Gateron Everfree Cedar is heavier, making them suitable for different user preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar has a shorter travel distance compared to the Peach, which might appeal to gamers who favor rapid key presses and quicker response times. Conversely, the KTT Peach, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're seeking a responsive experience, the Everfree Cedar could be the optimal choice, while the Peach might cater to those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Peach comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch presents a satisfying, poppy sound profile that can be quite engaging during typing. This sound is typically associated with a more lively experience, potentially making it a great choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch delivers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy tone that many enthusiasts appreciate for its mellow and pleasing resonance. The neutral sound quality of the Peach also means it can be suitable for both work and home environments, ensuring that it won't be overly disruptive while still being enjoyable.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is described as snappy and polished. This snappiness provides a super responsive experience, which many typists find invigorating, while the polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined keystroke. The combination of these traits allows for a lively typing experience that feels both efficient and satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Peach switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is less aggressive than other switches. This mildness means the feel of the Peach is more approachable and forgiving, making it suitable for a wider range of users who may appreciate a balanced touch without extreme characteristics.
Overall, both switches offer distinct sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is ideal for those who enjoy a lively and polished typing experience with engaging audio feedback, while the KTT Peach appeals to users seeking a smoother and deeper auditory environment with a milder feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile response, as both switches can deliver satisfying results based on their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Peach linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you're seeking a budget-friendly option with a snappy and polished feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice, especially if you value responsiveness and a satisfying, poppy sound profile. These switches are ideal for both typing and gaming, offering smooth performance that aligns well with both casual users and enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a deeper, thocky sound that adds a richness to your typing experience, the KTT Peach may be more suitable for you. The Peach’s mild characteristics make it approachable and pleasant for long typing sessions, catering to both beginners and those who desire a balanced switch for varied usage scenarios. In summary, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the overall experience you are seeking when making your selection between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
