Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can profoundly affect your typing experience. Two notable contenders are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent cost-effective option for those seeking effortless keystrokes and a poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience that many users find satisfying, along with a snappy sound that adds a lively component to each press. While the Everfree Cedar appeals to those who prefer uninterrupted flow and speed, the Polaris Purple caters to users who enjoy a more dynamic feel and auditory feedback in their typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a notably similar sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. Polycarbonate’s stiffer composition contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience, making both switches particularly appealing for users who prioritize an articulate typing sound. Both switches also feature clear top housings, allowing them to effectively showcase RGB lighting, which adds an aesthetic flair that complements the vibrant colors of illuminated keyboards. This shared material selection ensures that users can expect a consistent sound signature when comparing the performance of these two switches in terms of sound production.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Everfree Cedar and Polaris Purple diverge significantly, which profoundly influences the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Everfree Cedar utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material recognized for its softer characteristics. This softness helps absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In comparison, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which standardizes the crispness in both aspects of the switch. As such, while the top housing of both switches may deliver a similar auditory experience, the differing materials in the bottom housings lead to distinct sound profiles that consumers should consider when assessing their typing experience.
Ultimately, the varied characteristics of the housing materials in the Everfree Cedar and Polaris Purple contribute to a multifaceted typing experience. With the nylon bottom housing of the Everfree Cedar providing a more rounded and muted auditory feedback, it contrasts with the sharper and more pronounced sound associated with the Polaris Purple’s fully polycarbonate construction. This dichotomy creates a unique interplay between the top and bottom housings, influencing sound profiles and tactile experiences according to individual preferences. Switch enthusiasts might find that the Everfree Cedar provides a more traditional and subdued typing experience, while the Polaris Purple appeals to those drawn to a bright and lively auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we see a notable difference in their tactile experiences. The Everfree Cedar has a known actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it relatively lighter and easier to press compared to typical heavier switches. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar switch remains unspecified, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons in that aspect. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's bottom out force is reported at 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, indicating a firmer feel when fully depressed. Additionally, the actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown, preventing us from making further weight comparisons regarding its actuation. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is the lighter option for actuation, potentially providing a more comfortable experience for prolonged typing and gaming sessions, while the Polaris Purple offers a more substantial tactile feedback and bottom out experience due to its heavier bottoming out force. For users prioritizing a lighter switch, the Cedar would be preferable, while those seeking a stronger tactile sensation might lean towards the Polaris Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, catering to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience typical among gamers. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth when pressing down on keys. While both switches can provide satisfying performance, ultimately, the choice between them hinges on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus a hearty keystroke experience.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 enhances the auditory experience while typing. This pleasant sound is attributed to its smooth linear design, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer quieter environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy sound profile that aligns with its tactile bump, providing an engaging auditory feedback during typing. Both switches can produce satisfying sounds, but the Everfree Cedar leans towards a poppier tone, while the Polaris Purple’s snappiness makes it ideal for those who appreciate distinct auditory cues.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out due to its smooth and reliable performance, providing a seamless typing experience without the tactile interruptions found in other designs. Comparatively, the Polaris Purple is characterized by its big tactile bump that adds an exhilarating tactile feedback during each key press. Furthermore, it offers a mild feel that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, coupled with a polished finish that results in smooth key travel. Thus, while both switches provide a refined typing sensation, the Everfree Cedar offers a smooth linear feel, while the Polaris Purple combines tactile feedback with polished smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the SP-Star Polaris Purple cater to different typing preferences. The Everfree Cedar excels with its poppy sound and linear smoothness, making it a solid choice for those who prefer quieter and uninterrupted key presses. Conversely, the Polaris Purple entices typists with its snappy sound and tactile feedback, suitable for users who enjoy an engaging typing experience. Each switch offers unique qualities that can cater to varying tastes, ensuring that whether you choose a smooth linear switch or a tactile one, you will be pleased with the performance and its respective sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, your choice should primarily reflect your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience without tactile feedback, the Everfree Cedar would be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a more cost-effective option that enables fluid keystrokes and a satisfying sound profile. This switch shines in scenarios where quiet and uninterrupted typing is desired, such as in an office setting or during late-night work sessions. On the other hand, if you want a more engaging, tactile experience that provides clear feedback with each keystroke, you should opt for the Polaris Purple. This switch, with its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump, is more suited to those who enjoy typing with a bit more resistance and who appreciate that exhilarating tactile sensation. Additionally, the snappy sound profile and polished feel of the Polaris Purple can enhance the overall typing experience, making it a great choice for both casual gaming and typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, by understanding your personal preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, you can confidently select the switch that best meets your needs.
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