Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Everfree Cedar, known for its smooth linear action, provides a seamless keystroke experience alongside a satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow Double Spring switch delivers a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-high level of tactility, resulting in deep, resonating thocks that enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more interactive and responsive keypress. While the Everfree Cedar excels in reliability and efficiency, the Shadow switch offers an engaging tactile sensation that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a more expressive typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a notably sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both models. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, making it an ideal choice for those aiming for a lively auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, ensuring that both switches will produce vibrant lighting effects when paired with suitable keyboards. Thus, users can expect a similar acoustic performance and visual aesthetic from the top housings of both models, enriching their overall typing experience.
However, the bottom housing of each switch diverges significantly; the Everfree (EF) Cedar incorporates nylon, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a more muffled and rounded acoustics. This is because nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound waves more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Shadow's bottom housing. Consequently, while the top housings may provide a crisp upper register to the sound, the bottom housings will shape the overall tactile feedback and the fundamental character of the sound when bottoming out or releasing the key. Each switch's unique bottom housing material will affect the feel and the sound, leading to distinct experiences despite their similarities in top construction.
Ultimately, the combination of differing materials in both the top and bottom housings of these switches showcases how they can produce a variety of typing experiences. With both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring featuring polycarbonate tops, they yield a bright and clear sound trail when keys are released. The varying materials on the bottom, nylon for the Cedar versus polycarbonate for the Shadow, underscore their unique auditory characteristics when keys are pressed down. Regardless of the compatibility in top housing, the diverging qualities of the bottom housing create distinct sound resonance and tactile feedback in each switch. Users will find that while the similarities may enhance RGB lighting and top sound profile, the overall tactile experience will remain unique based on the bottom housing material.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share an identical actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel that allows for prolonged typing sessions, whether for work or extended gaming. However, the differentiation becomes evident with the bottom out force: the Shadow switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar lacks specified bottom out force data, meaning it cannot be directly compared in that aspect to the Shadow. Thus, while both switches offer similar actuation characteristics, the Shadow offers a heavier bottom out feel, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar switch provides a more responsive feel, which can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker activation times. On the other hand, the Shadow Double Spring's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial keypress experience, potentially satisfying those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile feedback when typing. For users who prefer a balance between the two, the differences may lead to distinct preferences, with the Cedar being the shorter option and the Shadow providing a lengthier travel experience.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 evaluating the sound characteristics between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, there are notable distinctions. The Everfree Cedar is known for its satisfying, poppy sound profile, which aligns with the expectations of a linear switch; this auditory feedback tends to be more muted and smooth, providing a pleasant typing experience without excessive noise. In contrast, the Shadow Double Spring is characterized by its deep, resonating thocks, contributing to a more dynamic and pronounced acoustic profile. This switch's clacky, high-pitched sound adds an energetic tone to each keystroke, making it perfect for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. Given that sound is influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap material, users selecting either switch may encounter variations based on their specific setups.
In terms of tactile feel, the differences become even more pronounced. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is designed to provide smooth operation, typical of linear switches, which lack the tactile bumps that provide feedback during typing. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke without interruptions. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is engineered to deliver a notably sharp and strong tactile bump, characterized by its medium-high level of tactility. With features such as snappiness and bounciness, it offers an engaging typing experience that feels lively and responsive. The dual-staged spring enhances its tactility, resulting in an energetic switch that many users find delightful for both typing and gaming.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect significantly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Everfree Cedar’s smooth, poppy sound and seamless keystrokes cater to enthusiasts who favor linear switches, while the Shadow Double Spring’s distinct thocks and sharp tactile feedback will appeal to users seeking a dynamic and responsive typing experience. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your preference for auditory and tactile characteristics, but both options can deliver a unique and satisfying typing encounter depending on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire from your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a touch of auditory satisfaction, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is an excellent option. Its linear design ensures that you won't encounter tactile feedback that interrupts your flow, making it suitable for gaming or extended typing sessions where you prefer minimal resistance. Conversely, if you enjoy tactile feedback and want your keystrokes to have a clear, pronounced sensation, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring should be your go-to. Its medium-high tactile response, combined with the deep, resonating sound it produces, provides a more engaging typing experience that can make each keystroke feel rewarding. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you favor the smoothness of linear switches or the auditory and tactile feedback offered by tactile switches, allowing you to personalize your typing experience to best fit your needs.
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