Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) present compelling choices for different types of users. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance and satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it a cost-effective option for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel, providing a level of resistance that enhances precision during typing while maintaining a focus on quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared living spaces. Essentially, if you’re seeking a seamless typing experience that prioritizes speed and smoothness, the Everfree Cedar could be your ideal match; however, if you value tactile feedback and low noise levels, the Silent Bluish White (V2) might be the better option for you. 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
42g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a distinct sound profile characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp resonance. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing to the clear auditory response favored by users who seek pronounced keystrokes in their mechanical switches. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also makes it highly suitable for RGB lighting applications, allowing light to shine through effectively and enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Given that both switches share this material for their top housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience and aesthetic benefit when using either switch in a backlit setup.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in its construction; both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Silent Bluish White (V2) incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, dampens sound more effectively than the harder polycarbonate found in the top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed. This characteristic is particularly desirable for users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback during typing. Consequently, while both switches exhibit similarities in sound articulation due to their polycarbonate tops, they also share the rewarding acoustic qualities of nylon in their bottoms, allowing for a rich combination of sound dynamics that users can appreciate during their typing experience.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials in these switches reveals how design choices impact typing feedback and acoustics. The polycarbonate top housing of both models ensures a bright sound when key releases occur, while the nylon bottoms enhance the overall sensory experience by providing a pleasing contrast with a deeper sound when keys bottom out. Even though the top and bottom housing materials differ, the shared properties of polycarbonate and nylon allow users to achieve a complementary auditory experience across both models. Therefore, despite minor variations, the overall performance of the Gateron Everfree and TTC Silent Bluish White switches remains closely aligned, catering to diverse user preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar boasts an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This lighter force may appeal to users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a tangible resistance as it bottoms out, which can enhance the typing experience for some users. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, preventing a direct comparison for that measurement. Ultimately, those who enjoy a heavier, more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, while users looking for a lighter switch for extended use may prefer the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Everfree (EF) Cedar having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Silent Bluish White (V2) at 3.5 mm. This means that while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a longer travel distance by 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2) may be more appealing. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers might appreciate the extra depth provided by the Everfree (EF) Cedar. In summary, for enhanced responsiveness, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is suited for those who enjoy a more traditional key 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
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 is known for its satisfying, poppy sound profile, bringing a lively auditory aspect to typing. This characteristic provides a pleasant feedback loop that some users appreciate during their typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is designed to be much quieter, offering a muted sound that minimizes noise, which makes them particularly suitable for environments like offices or shared living spaces. This combination of a relatively silent operation with a subtle auditory cue makes the Silent Bluish White ideal for those who want a mechanical feel without disturbing their surroundings.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a smooth, reliable performance that typifies linear switches, offering a continuous keystroke experience without any tactile bumps. This enables fluid typing but may lack the pronounced feedback that some typists enjoy. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) delivers a more tactile experience with a medium level of resistance. Its mild, yet perceptible, tactile feedback allows for a comfortable typing sensation, while the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. This makes typing both enjoyable and precise, catering to users who prefer that subtle feedback during their keystrokes.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch presents a lively auditory feel paired with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) combines a muted sound profile with tactile feedback, making it perfect for quieter settings while still offering a comfortable typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both options allow for unique typing experiences that can enhance your overall use of a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a smooth, linear feel that provides subtle feedback without any noise disruption, the Everfree Cedar is ideal. It’s a great option if you appreciate rapid key presses, whether for gaming or fast typing, especially since it's noted for its reliable performance and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a clear sense of resistance at the actuation point, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is suitable for you. It's perfect for environments where noise control is essential, thanks to its muted characteristics, while still delivering a satisfying typing experience with its medium tactility. Ultimately, consider the nature of your work or gaming setup, as well as how much sound you want to emit while typing; this will guide you toward the right switch that complements your needs.
Mentioned in this article
