Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Semi Mute offer distinct yet appealing experiences for users. The Everfree Cedar, with its snappy and polished action, provides a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists appreciate, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking reliable performance without sacrificing quality. Its unique poppy sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience, enhancing the typing rhythm for users who enjoy a bit of audible feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches cater to individuals who prioritize a quiet typing experience, employing advanced dampening technology to ensure a completely silent operation. With a buttery, mild feel, these switches are ideally suited for late-night work sessions or environments where noise pollution is a concern. Both options appeal to different preferences and use cases, whether you desire a more responsive feel or a silent typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched tone. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, providing a crisp auditory feedback that many users find appealing. Their translucency is particularly beneficial for users who want to showcase RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively. This similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable sound experience when it comes to the sharpness and clarity of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches exhibit a significant difference in their sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, providing a rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the high-pitched sound created by the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will deliver a sound profile akin to that of its top housing—crisp and clear, but potentially less rich compared to the nylon counterpart. Hence, the overall acoustic experience when typing will markedly differ between the two switches due to this divergence in bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound and feel of each switch. While both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Semi Mute feature polycarbonate tops that provide clarity to the released keystroke, the Everfree's nylon bottom absorbs and softens the impact of a bottom-out sound. In contrast, the KTT's polycarbonate bottom will maintain a consistent, sharp sound throughout. This combination means that typing on the Everfree will yield a different depth and feel during key presses compared to the KTT, offering a range of experiences based on the choice of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which can influence user experience. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a heavier switch compared to the KTT Semi Mute, which requires only 43 grams for actuation. For those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Semi Mute may be more suitable. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown, while the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. This means that the Semi Mute provides a more defined feedback upon bottoming out, as users will press down against a tangible resistance. If the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar were to be measured, it could potentially align closely with the Semi Mute's characteristics. Overall, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, while users seeking a lighter actuation will likely prefer the KTT Semi Mute.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the KTT Semi Mute has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the longer travel of the Semi Mute switch at 4 mm may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a fuller keystroke sensation.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory feedback during typing, making it enjoyable and engaging for users who appreciate a little acoustic character in their mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed to be completely silent, effectively minimizing any noise typically associated with keystrokes. This makes them an ideal choice for those who value a quiet typing experience, particularly in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions when noise sensitivity can be a concern. While the Everfree Cedar offers a more traditional, tactile sound experience, the Semi Mute prioritizes silence, catering to users seeking tranquility in their typing environment.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are characterized by a snappy and polished typing experience. The snappy nature means these switches are super responsive, allowing for swift keystrokes and an invigorating typing rhythm—thanks in part to longer springs that create a lively feel. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel, leading to reduced friction which enhances typing efficiency. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches deliver what is described as a buttery feel, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke that can make typing feel seamless. Additionally, their mild characteristics offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable and comfortable for a wide range of users. While each switch has distinct qualities, both deliver a satisfying tactile similar to linear switches, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Semi Mute switches differ in sound and certain tactile attributes, they each offer their own unique appeal. The Everfree Cedar brings an engaging acoustic profile and a lively feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy a bit of character in their typing. Conversely, the Semi Mute excels in providing a completely silent typing experience with a smooth, buttery feel, perfect for those who prioritize noise reduction. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound and responsive feedback or a quiet, smooth typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both options will yield a satisfactory experience characteristic of high-quality linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you seek a dynamic typing experience with a snappy and polished feel, the Everfree Cedar may be your ideal choice. Its responsive nature and satisfying sound profile can enhance your productivity, making it especially suitable for those who enjoy a more engaging tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a completely silent environment, particularly during late-night sessions or in shared spaces, the Semi Mute switch is the way to go. Its advanced dampening technology ensures a quiet operation without sacrificing the smoothness of keystrokes, offering a buttery typing feel that's gentle and non-intrusive. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you value sound and responsiveness or silence and comfort in your keyboard experience.
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