Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to their unique typing preferences. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Sakura Pink are both linear switches, yet they deliver distinctly different experiences. The EF Cedar, hailing from Gateron's sub-brand, is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile and an accessible price point, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users who seek quality without compromise. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches feature an incredibly light 35g actuation force, tailored for those who value effortless typing and a lighter touch. Their buttery smooth feel and delightful sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, offer a whimsical addition to your keystrokes. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, they embody contrasting characteristics that may resonate differently with typists. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Everglide Sakura Pink switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which bestows them with remarkable sonic characteristics. The polycarbonate material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate the crisp audio feedback during typing. This similarity in top housing material means that users can expect a comparable sound experience from both switches when pressed, especially when utilizing RGB lighting to enhance their aesthetic appeal. The transparency inherent in polycarbonate allows for an impressive visual display when paired with backlighting, further enhancing the overall user experience in terms of sound and appearance.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of these two switches are quite different, which affects their overall sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer and more pliable nature. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that may lend a more subdued bottom-out feel to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, which aligns with the characteristics of the top housing. Consequently, the Sakura Pink produces a sound profile that remains sharp and crisp even at the bottom-out stage, contributing to a more consistent auditory experience throughout the key press.
When considering the overall performance of the two switches, it is essential to understand how the combination of housing materials affects their respective sound and feel profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Everfree (EF) Cedar enriches the sound with a rounder, softer quality, while the Sakura Pink, with its dual polycarbonate housing, delivers a sharper acoustic response. This divergence results in a distinct typing experience, with the Cedar switch emphasizing personality through a more dampened resonance. On the other hand, users opting for the Sakura Pink can expect a cohesive and vibrant sound profile throughout the key press, marrying the benefits of polycarbonate in both housings for a consistently crisp and engaging typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it significantly heavier than the Sakura Pink's actuation force of just 35 grams. This higher actuation force of the Cedar may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar is unknown, which leaves a gap in the understanding of its performance when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Sakura Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is relatively light. This combination of a lighter actuation force and a light bottom out force in the Sakura Pink makes it a suitable choice for users who seek a switch that facilitates longer typing sessions without fatigue. Overall, if you prefer a switch that requires a heavier push, the Everfree Cedar would be the better option, while the Sakura Pink would be ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, significant differences emerge. The EF Cedar boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sakura Pink features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sakura Pink switch offers a more traditional depth, likely providing a more pronounced keypress sensation, which some users may find appealing for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, resulting in a faster actuation when pressing down on a key. Therefore, for those seeking responsiveness, the Everfree Cedar would be the preferred choice, whereas the Sakura Pink would be better suited for individuals who enjoy a more substantial travel feel.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 satisfying, poppy sound profile, which brings a certain character to each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch has a more muted sound, characterized as softer and quieter compared to typical mechanical keyboards. While both switches strive to create an appealing auditory experience, the Everfree Cedar may resonate more with users who appreciate a livelier sound, while the Sakura Pink caters to those preferring a more subdued acoustic environment. Ultimately, the sound experience from either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is known for delivering a smooth and reliable performance, but specific tactile qualities weren't disclosed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing sensation, creating an effortless and fluid keystroke experience. The Sakura Pink's low actuation force of 35g further enhances the ease of typing, allowing users to glide effortlessly over the keys without strain. The frictionless operation contributes to a remarkably smooth feel, making the Sakura Pink an excellent choice for those who favor a light and pleasurable typing experience.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches provide enjoyable characteristics, yet they cater to somewhat different preferences. The Everfree Cedar leans toward a more vibrant auditory experience while maintaining a smooth typing sensation, though specifics about its tactile feedback are not specified. The Sakura Pink, on the other hand, delivers a more muted sound and an exceptionally light, creamy touch, appealing to those seeking a frictionless and effortlessly responsive keystroke. Depending on individual typing style and sound preference, either switch can provide satisfying results, making it crucial to try them both if possible to determine which aligns best with your keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and personal preferences. If you favor an effortless typing experience with a gently responsive feel and a feather-light actuation force, the Sakura Pink is an ideal choice, especially for those who type lightly or engage in rapid keystrokes. Its muted yet poppy sound can create a playful atmosphere, making it perfect for casual use or gaming. Conversely, if you're looking for a more robust switch with a satisfying, slightly more pronounced sound profile and a reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar would suit your needs better. While it doesn't boast an explicitly described bottom-out force, its reputation for durability and smooth operation can provide a consistent typing experience for those who appreciate longer typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your primary use case, whether it be for gaming, work, or leisurely typing, allowing your mechanical keyboard to enhance your overall experience.
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