Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to suit their typing preferences. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two compelling linear switches that exemplify what these types of switches can offer. The Everfree Cedar, a cost-effective choice from Gateron’s sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, complemented by a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is known for delivering a buttery smooth typing feel through its progressive spring and dry-lube design, offering a low-pitched, neutral, and mild sound profile. Each switch has its unique strengths: choose the Everfree Cedar for a more pronounced auditory feedback and a budget-friendly option, while the Sea Salt Lemon may appeal to those seeking tactile refinement and a seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will resonate with your tactile preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a significantly similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory feedback. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates an acoustically resonant environment that enhances the clarity of keystrokes. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from their translucent properties, making them excellent choices for RGB lighting enthusiasts. This material decision allows users to enjoy vibrant lighting effects while also ensuring that the sound produced during typing remains distinct and clean.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a notably different characteristic to the overall auditory experience. The nylon material is known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness enables nylon to absorb more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound when pressing down on the keys. Consequently, the final auditory output when using these switches will reflect a blend of the sharp clarity introduced by the polycarbonate top and the warmer depth provided by the nylon bottom.
Together, the combined use of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a harmonious interplay of sound qualities. While the top housing facilitates bright, resonant feedback, the bottom housing tempers this with a fuller, rounded signature. The nuanced sound experience of each switch is influenced significantly by the distinct properties of the materials used, with the nylon offering depth during actuation and the polycarbonate ensuring clarity on release. Consequently, users can expect a well-rounded and engaging typing experience regardless of their choice, stemming from the synergy between the two different but compatible housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar features a higher actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter at 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, as its lower actuation force can help reduce fatigue. In terms of bottom-out forces, the Sea Salt Lemon has a measurable bottom-out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the bottom-out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown. However, based on the known actuation forces, it can be inferred that the Everfree Cedar is likely to be heavier overall. Consequently, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, whereas users looking for a lighter, more effortless keystroke might prefer the Sea Salt Lemon switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar allows for a slightly shorter keypress, which can result in quicker response times and may be favored by gamers seeking performance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced keypress that some users might find more satisfying or hearty. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel and faster actuation, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy deeper keystrokes might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a satisfying, poppy quality that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. This lively sound is likely influenced by its design and the proprietary mold used by Gateron, which aims for a crisp auditory feedback that can be both engaging and fun during extended use. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon features a low-pitched sound that leans towards a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. This switch's neutral sound profile makes it versatile, being suitable for a wide range of environments, from busy workplaces to quieter home settings. Sound perception can vary based on the keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps, but the poppy nature of the Everfree and the low, neutral pitch of the Sea Salt Lemon create distinct yet enjoyable auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar delivers a smooth, reliable performance that's designed to enhance user experience, though specific characteristics like tactile feedback were not detailed. In comparison, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is characterized by its mildness, which offers a gentle and approachable typing experience. This switch has a progressive spring that contributes to its buttery smoothness, making each keystroke fluid without harsh feedback. Overall, the Sea Salt Lemon is designed to ensure comfort for users of all skill levels, positioning it as an accommodating choice for newcomers.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches deliver enjoyable characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Everfree switch is notable for its poppy sound and reliable performance, while the Sea Salt Lemon excels with its low-pitched, mellow sound and a gentle typing experience. For newcomers, both switches promise a satisfying experience, and depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, they can either create a lively atmosphere or a more subdued, comfortable typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory and tactile experience or a smooth, mild feel with a low-key sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. The Everfree Cedar, with its smooth and reliable performance, is an excellent choice if you seek a cost-effective option without compromising quality. If you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying sound, characterized by a poppy tone, the Everfree Cedar might be the right fit for you, especially if you enjoy a more forgiving typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, is likely to suit you better. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, combined with a buttery smooth feel due to the progressive spring and dry-lube design, makes it an exceptional choice for both casual and professional typing environments. In essence, if you value a moderate and gentle typing experience that balances performance with comfort, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is undoubtedly worth considering.
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