Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and a tactile switch such as the Akko Penguin can greatly influence your typing experience. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a poppy sound profile that enhances every keystroke while being a cost-effective option from Gateron's sub-brand. Its linear design allows for a seamless transition from keypress to keypress, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted flow. Conversely, the Akko Penguin introduces a tactile sensation with its rounded bump, providing satisfying feedback with each press while remaining silent—an excellent feature for those working in communal environments where noise reduction is paramount. Its medium weight strikes a balance that makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without leading to fatigue. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences: the Everfree Cedar for those who relish a smooth ride and the Penguin for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the accompanying sound. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Penguin employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall user experience. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Akko Penguin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, providing a more muted and rounded audio experience. This fundamental difference in materials indicates that while both switches offer distinct auditory sensations, they cater to different preferences—those who appreciate clarity versus those who prefer lush warmth.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Penguin use nylon, which establishes a common ground between the two switches. Nylon’s characteristic softness contributes to a more substantial and resonant bottom-out sound in both switches, making for a deeper auditory experience when the key is fully pressed. While the top housing materials offer contrasting sound profiles, the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the overall sensation when bottoming out remains similar. This shared material provides a harmonious foundation that complements the varying attributes of each switch's top housing, allowing users to still experience that satisfying bottom-out feel regardless of which model they choose.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housings of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Penguin create unique sound profiles that cater to different user preferences, while their common nylon bottom housing contributes a familiar depth to the typing experience. Users looking for a brighter, more resonant response may gravitate toward the EF Cedar, while those who favor a fuller, more muted sound may prefer the Akko Penguin. However, irrespective of the top housing material, the consistent nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich auditory experience on the lower end, making them compelling choices in the market for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Everfree Cedar has a notably heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it a favorable choice for those who need to type for extended periods without fatigue. Regarding bottom out force, the Everfree Cedar's value is unknown, while the Penguin has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel at the end of a keypress. As a result, while the Penguin offers a lighter actuation and a definite bottom out, the Everfree Cedar provides an unquantified bottom out experience but requires more force to initially activate. Thus, for individuals seeking a lighter switch overall, the Akko Penguin comes out on top, while the Everfree Cedar caters to those who favor a heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that the Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer switch, while the Penguin measures 3.3 mm, thus being the shorter option. This difference of 0.3 mm may influence the tactile experience and responsiveness you feel; for gamers seeking rapid response times, the Akko Penguin’s shorter travel distance might be more appealing, while those preferring a deeper, more substantial feel may favor the Everfree Cedar. Both switches cater to different preferences, highlighting the importance of selecting a switch based on individual tactile and auditory preferences in keyboard use.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 contributes a satisfying, poppy profile that is more audible compared to what the Akko Penguin offers. The Everfree’s sound can be described as clearer and more pronounced, making it suitable for those who enjoy the feedback that audible switches provide. On the other hand, the Penguin is characterized by a muted sound, being notably quieter and ideal for office settings or shared spaces. This subdued tone minimizes the noise typical of mechanical keyboards, making it a practical choice for environments where discretion is needed.
When considering feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for its smooth and reliable performance, although specific details about its tactile response were not provided. In contrast, the Akko Penguin features a blend of characteristics, being polished for smooth key travel and providing a mild tactile feedback that is both approachable and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. The Penguin’s feathery touch means less exertion is required for actuation, reducing finger fatigue, while its subtle resistance ensures an easy yet satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Everfree (EF) Cedar excels in providing an engaging sound profile that will appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing, while the Akko Penguin stands out for its muted volume and polished feel, making it well-suited for quieter workplaces. Choosing between these switches fundamentally depends on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a more subdued and refined typing experience. However, both switches promise smooth and enjoyable performance, catering to the diverse needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your decision between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a switch that delivers smooth and reliable performance with a cost-effective flair, the Everfree Cedar could be your ideal choice. Its light and feathery actuation provides a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for long sessions, whether for gaming or general use. Though the bottom-out force is unknown, its linear nature means you'll find it fluid and consistent during each keystroke. On the other hand, if you operate in a shared workspace or prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Akko Penguin is a standout option. With its muted and polished sound profile, this switch cleverly balances tactile feedback with silence, offering a satisfying bump that enhances your typing without disrupting those around you. Its medium weight ensures you won’t experience fatigue even after prolonged use, making it a great fit for anyone who values both comfort and discretion. Thus, consider your environment and typing style carefully: if you value silence and tactile feedback, go with the Penguins; if smoothness and cost are your primary concerns, the Everfree Cedar is the way to go.
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