Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Star offer distinct options for typists seeking a linear experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, known for its smooth and reliable performance, stands out as a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand, featuring a satisfying, poppy sound profile that appeals to users looking for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction that enhances its buttery smoothness, combined with a neutral sound signature—perfect for those who prioritize tranquility in their typing sessions. With a lightweight 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star is particularly suited for light typists seeking ease and comfort, making it an attractive option. Ultimately, both switches present compelling reasons to consider them, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Star, a significant distinction is apparent in the choice of plastics used for the top housing. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing in illuminated setups. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, which is designed to produce a deeper, more muted sound. The differences in top housing materials thus lead to contrasting auditory experiences; the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate offers bright and articulate sound, while the Purple Star's POM lends a more subdued and rounded audio signature.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials for both switches present a more harmonious similarity. The Everfree Cedar's nylon bottom housing is celebrated for its classic properties, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile primarily due to nylon’s softer characteristics which absorb sound more efficiently than harder plastics. Meanwhile, the KTT Purple Star's POM bottom housing achieves a similarly muted and pleasant sound quality. The key takeaway here is that although the switches utilize different materials for their top housings, they share a commonality in their bottom housings, with both formulations contributing to a sound profile that favors a richer and more enveloping experience when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the variances in sound profile and tactile response between the Everfree Cedar and the Purple Star switches largely stem from their respective top housing materials. The distinct sharpness of polycarbonate in the Cedar aligns well with its stiffer composition, while the muted richness of POM in the Purple Star facilitates a uniquely pleasant auditory experience. However, the overlapping characteristics of nylon and POM in the bottom housing ensure that both switches maintain a fuller sound when pressed down, showcasing how different materials can complement each other in achieving desirable performance outcomes. While users may prefer one auditory experience over another due to top housing differences, both switches can deliver pleasing sound profiles and typing responses through their thoughtfully selected bottom materials.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch presents a more substantial typing experience with its actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier compared to the KTT Purple Star, which has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users who prefer a more pronounced push feel may gravitate towards the Cedar switch for a more tactile feedback during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Purple Star's actuation force allows for a smoother and less strenuous keypress, which could be beneficial for those who engage in extended typing or gaming sessions and desire a lighter touch. While the bottom out force for the Cedar switch is unavailable, the Purple Star does have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a definitive tactile response when fully pressed down. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback, with the Cedar being the heavier option and the Purple Star being the lighter choice, perfect for users seeking a more featherlike touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the EF Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Everfree (EF) Cedar the longer option, providing a more substantial key press that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star's shorter travel distance could cater to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more immediate actuation. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the distinction between the two options can influence your overall typing or gaming experience based on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 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 switch offers a satisfying and poppy sound profile that can add a delightful auditory element to your typing experience. This makes it a fun choice for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound during use, enhancing the overall engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star features a low-pitched sound signature, which leans towards a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. This characteristic offers a soothing auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing performance. The sound profiles of both switches will ultimately depend on factors like the keyboard they are paired with and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is known for its smooth and reliable performance, allowing for a pleasant typing experience. While detailed information about its specific tactile qualities isn't provided, Gateron switches typically offer a quality feel that is consistent across their lineup. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star delivers a mild typing experience that sits comfortably in the middle ground, featuring easy-to-press mechanics. With a light 45g bottom-out force, these switches require minimal effort to actuate, making them particularly suitable for light typists and long typing sessions. This gentleness promotes a fatigue-free experience, ensuring that users can type for extended periods comfortably.
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Star switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a livelier and more pronounced auditory presence while typing, the Everfree Cedar may be the better fit. Conversely, for those who prefer a more subdued sound with an easy and gentle typing experience, the Purple Star is likely the preferable option. Both switches offer their unique advantages, allowing newcomers to explore different properties and find what best suits their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Purple Star linear switches, your preferences and typing habits will significantly dictate your decision. If you value a smooth, reliable performance paired with a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, particularly if you don't mind the unspecified bottom-out force that is typically associated with linear switches aimed at cost efficiency. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced pop in their typing experience while keeping a reliable feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight and effortless typing experience, the KTT Purple Star with its 45g bottom-out force might be the better option for you. It’s particularly suited for light typists or those who type for extended periods, as it minimizes finger fatigue thanks to its low resistance. The Purple Star’s low-pitched sound and mild feel ensure that it remains approachable and comfortable for most users. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean toward a more robust feedback with the Everfree Cedar or a gentle and easy-to-press option with the Purple Star.
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