Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Pine, both linear switches bring unique traits to the table, appealing to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar stands out as a cost-effective choice that promises smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile thanks to Gateron’s trusted manufacturing expertise. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious users who still want a tactile auditory experience without compromising on quality. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is engineered for those seeking a more luxurious typing experience. With its medium-heavy actuation and polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine delivers buttery smooth key travel that minimizes friction, highlighting its unique characteristics classified as 'bassy,' 'creamy,' and 'low-pitched.' While both switches excel in their own ways, their vastly different sound profiles and tactile sensations cater to a range of typing preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, a characteristic that both switches share. This material's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically pleasing when backlit. Therefore, users expecting a bright and clear auditory experience and visual effects from either switch will find similar results, as the polycarbonate top housing drives this acoustic clarity and visual display universally.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Pine. The Cedar employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer composition that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic means that typing on the Cedar leads to a rounder sound as nylon absorbs more sound waves. The KTT Pine, on the other hand, uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the same sound profile effects as its top housing. Consequently, the Pine will produce a sound more consistent with the higher-pitched and crisper tone across both its top and bottom housing, unlike the Cedar which delivers a more complex sound experience due to its nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Pine create distinct auditory experiences despite their similarities in top housing. The Cedar's nylon bottom brings a warm, softened sound to the switch that counterbalances the sharper tone of its polycarbonate top, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Pine's uniform polycarbonate construction contributes to a cohesive sound profile that is sharp and crisp throughout the switch. When fully engaged, the Cedar's sound richness lies in the interaction of its nylon bottom with the polycarbonate top, while the Pine emphasizes clarity and brightness across both components.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, making it feel heavier to users compared to the KTT Pine, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the Pine more suitable, as its lower actuation force facilitates easier keypresses. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison for that metric. In contrast, the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium, providing a more substantial feedback upon reaching the key’s maximum travel. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch altogether, the KTT Pine would be the preferable choice, while the Everfree Cedar may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer key press, albeit with less clarity on its bottom out performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the differences are notable. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Pine offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, catering to those who appreciate a hearty feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar may be preferable. This shorter distance allows for quicker actuation, appealing especially to gamers seeking fast response times. In conclusion, if you prefer a more abrupt feel with quicker tactile responses, the Everfree Cedar is the better option, while those who enjoy a deeper travel experience may opt for the KTT Pine.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can provide an engaging auditory experience during use. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This bass-heavy quality might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback, while the Everfree's sound may lend itself to a lighter, more playful typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which sound profile adds more enjoyment to typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable action, although specific descriptors of its tactile feedback are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is celebrated for its buttery and creamy sensation, delivering an effortlessly smooth keystroke experience thanks to a polished, factory-lubed finish. This creates a seamless typing experience, enabling fingers to glide across the keys with minimal resistance. For those prioritizing a superior tactile and experiential quality, the Pine may take the lead, while the Cedar is also likely to provide a comfortable feel but without specific nuances defined.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Everfree provides a satisfying poppy sound, while the Pine delivers a deeper, bassy tone accompanied by a buttery smooth feel that's enhanced by its factory lubrication. While some subjective qualities remain unspecified for the Cedar, it can be expected to offer a reliable and smooth typing experience akin to the Pine. Ultimately, either switch can result in an enjoyable typing experience, but personal preference regarding sound and feel will steer users towards their ideal choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Pine linear switches, consider your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you're seeking a smooth and reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, the Everfree Cedar could be the right choice for you. Its performance is consistent, appealing to those who appreciate a lighter touch without the need for a hefty bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy touch and prefer a rich, deeper sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switch will likely suit you better. With its buttery and creamy keystrokes coupled with a polished finish, it provides an effortless typing experience that some users find incredibly satisfying. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a lightweight, cost-effective option or a more tactile, bassy feel that enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
