Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Click, stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable linear performance, making it a cost-effective choice for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback. With Gateron's trusted proprietary mold, these switches deliver a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click offers a more engaging auditory experience with its signature high-pitched click, providing a well-balanced combination of light keystrokes and pronounced tactility; this makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more expressive typing style. While the Everfree Cedar is perfect for those seeking a serene typing environment, the Purple Click appeals to individuals who thrive on an invigorating and resonant sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Click both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This similarity significantly shapes their auditory characteristics, as polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of this material allows for enhanced clarity and resonance, making both switches particularly appealing to those seeking a more defined auditory feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate means that both switches can effectively display RGB lighting, producing striking visual effects that complement their sound quality. Consequently, users can expect comparable results in regard to both sound and appearance when considering these two switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Purple Click switches is made from nylon, which contributes a different auditory quality to their performance. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the top housing's sharper tones. This characteristic makes the bottom housing particularly influential when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while both switches share the same materials for their respective housings, the nylon in the bottom housing leads to a rounder, warmer sound that contrasts with the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing. Taking into account that both switches have this dual-material configuration means users will experience a blend of sound qualities, with nylon’s dampening properties softening the impact of polycarbonate’s brightness.
The combination of materials in both switches leads to a unique balance of sound profiles. The polycarbonate top provides clarity and sharpness, while the nylon bottom introduces warmth and depth. This dual-layer effect means that each switch will impart different auditory experiences depending on whether the user is bottoming out a key or releasing it. Thus, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Click are similar in terms of their top and bottom housing materials, the interaction of these materials results in a distinctive overall experience. Users can expect to enjoy a consistent quality of response and sound, crafted by the thoughtful use of these materials, despite any variances that may arise in their feel and overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The EF Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Purple Click switch may be more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger each keystroke. However, without specific information about the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar, we can only specify that the Purple Click's bottom out force is 55 grams, which lends it a medium-light touch. Consequently, the Gateron switch is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the KTT Purple Click offers a lighter feel, making it an enticing choice for extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that the Everfree Cedar has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Click measures at 4 mm. This difference means that users of the Everfree Cedar may experience a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, which can be appealing for gamers seeking quick key presses. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the KTT Purple Click may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper sensation, which some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 offers a smooth auditory experience with a satisfying pop that aligns well with its design as a linear switch. While it lacks the distinct click characteristic of some other switches, many users appreciate the pleasant sound that enhances their typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its crunchy, resonant auditory profile that is reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Its high-pitched, satisfying click sound is sharply defined, making it ideal for those who enjoy a distinctly audible feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, those who prefer a quieter typing experience will gravitate toward the Everfree Cedar, while fans of clicky, pronounced feedback will appreciate the KTT Purple Click.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a smooth experience typical of linear switches, characterized by a lack of tactile bump or noticeable resistance throughout the keystroke. This results in a consistent and fluid typing sensation that is particularly favored for fast typing. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click offers a more invigorating touch, featuring pronounced feedback combined with a moderate to firm actuation force. Its stepped design allows for a two-stage feel, enhancing the typing experience with a snappy and reactive response that provides a clear distinction in the actuation point. This makes the Purple Click a fantastic choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback while still enjoying the auditory excitement of a clicky switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Purple Click switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cedar delivers a smooth, reliable performance with a satisfying yet understated sound profile, perfect for users who desire a quiet and seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Purple Click provides a crunchy, resonant sound and an invigorating feel, ideal for those who thrive on tactile feedback and pronounced acoustic cues. By selecting either switch, users can either embrace the tranquility of linear typing or relish the excitement of clicky engagement, allowing for personalized setups that best suit their styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you're looking for. If you prioritize a smooth, consistent keystroke with a silent operation, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option. Its linear nature ensures that there are no tactile bumps or clicks, making it ideal for a distraction-free environment, whether you're typing up documents or gaming late into the night. On the other hand, if you enjoy auditory feedback and a more tactile experience while typing, the KTT Purple Click is likely more suited to your needs. The pronounced click and invigorating feedback provide not just a sensory delight but also a level of engagement that can enhance your overall typing experience. In essence, choose the Everfree Cedar if you prefer a smooth, quiet feel without the auditory distractions, while the Purple Click is the way to go for those who relish a pronounced feel and clicky sound that invigorate their typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
