Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two notable linear switches stand out: the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Rosewood. The Everfree Cedar switch is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile that appeals to gamers and typists alike, all while being budget-friendly. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is distinguished by its deep, rich acoustic character, producing a thocky sound that many enthusiasts find pleasurable right out of the box, thanks to its factory-applied lubricant. Both switches provide their unique charm; the Everfree Cedar leans towards a crisp and lively experience, while the Rosewood emphasizes a richer auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a bright sound or a more premium feel with an engaging deep tone. However, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Rosewood switches, a notable difference emerges in their top housings. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This makes the switch particularly responsive and vibrant, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood uses a nylon top housing, which is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon contribute to a more muted sound, absorbing more vibrations and giving the switch a rounder tone. This fundamental difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on each switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in similarities in the sound profiles experienced during key presses. Whether found in the Everfree Cedar or the Rosewood, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, yielding that beloved, deeper bottom-out feel that typists often appreciate. As a classic switch housing material, nylon provides consistency and familiarity for users, ensuring that both switches deliver on a cushioned landing when keys are fully pressed. This shared characteristic means that while the top sound profiles differ significantly due to the different top materials, the bottom experience can be expected to be quite similar in both switches, as both benefit from the sound-dampening qualities of nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Everfree Cedar and Akko Rosewood leads to distinct overall sound and tactile experiences. While the nylon bottoms promote a cohesive feel across both switches, the contrasting top materials create a varied auditory encounter. Users looking for a brighter, more resonant sound might prefer the polycarbonate top of the EF Cedar, while those who favor a more subdued and deeper tone may gravitate towards the Rosewood’s nylon top. The choice between these switches will therefore largely depend on personal preference for sound characteristics, even as a shared nylon foundation ensures both options deliver an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cedar switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, significantly heavier than the Rosewood's actuation force of 40 grams, making the Rosewood a lighter option for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar is unknown, while the Rosewood features a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Cedar requires more force to actuate, how it feels upon bottoming out remains uncertain. For those who seek a more substantial tactile experience, the heavier Cedar may provide a preferred sensation despite being less confirmed regarding the bottom out. Overall, users who favor lighter switches for prolonged use would likely find the Akko Rosewood more appealing, while those desiring a stronger push feel may lean towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the EF Cedar the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel during key presses, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Rosewood, with its traditional travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you lean towards quicker response times, the Everfree Cedar would be the better fit, whereas the Rosewood would cater to those who appreciate a more traditional switch feel with greater travel depth.
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 Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switches are characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile that offers a pleasant auditory feedback while typing. This can create a lively atmosphere during use, especially for those who enjoy a bit more character in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deeper, thocky sound, which is often favored by those looking for a more muted and pronounced acoustic experience. The inherent sound qualities of both switches can be influenced by factors like the keyboard design and keycap choice, which means that either switch could be tailored to fit your desired sound profile with the right setup.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are known for their smooth and reliable performance, making them an excellent option for users who prioritize a consistent typing experience. The linear design contributes to minimal tactile feedback, creating a seamless keystroke from top to bottom. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are designed to provide a distinct feel that complements their auditory characteristics. Though the specifics of their tactile engagement aren’t detailed, users can typically expect a different tactile experience that emphasizes the overall typing comfort and enjoyment.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Everfree Cedar's poppy sound and smooth performance can appeal to users seeking a lively typing experience, while the deeper thocky sound and potentially distinct feel of the Rosewood may attract those looking for a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but both can provide satisfying results when selected thoughtfully within an appropriate keyboard set up.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko Rosewood linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable typing experience that is also cost-effective, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option. Its sound profile, while not explicitly highlighted, leans towards a satisfying yet subtle noise, which makes it perfect for those who appreciate a quieter working environment or enjoy a more understated experience while gaming or coding. On the other hand, if you seek a deeper, thocky sound with a tactile feedback that adds character to your keystrokes, the Akko Rosewood will likely be your go-to choice. Its factory-applied lubricant enhances the feel and sound, providing a richer auditory experience that can be particularly satisfying during long typing sessions or while playing rhythm-based games. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a smooth, muted performance or a more resonant and tactile experience; both switches cater to different types of users and scenarios.
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