Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference regarding typing feel and sound profile. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a snappy and polished experience that many users appreciate, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming. Its poppy sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a cleaner, more uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch stands out as a tactile option, featuring a light to medium resistance and a rounded tactile bump that enhances the typing experience with a buttery feel. Its muted sound profile is particularly appealing for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Everfree Cedar excelling in speed and smoothness, while the Silent Brown provides tactile feedback and quiet operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory feedback. This is primarily due to the properties of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic compared to other materials. The translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for users who value aesthetics alongside performance. With this commonality in their top housing materials, users can expect a comparable auditory experience during operation, marked by a resonant sound that emphasizes clarity.
In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly influences the overall sound profile when typing. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This results in a rounder bottom-out sound and feel that differs from the crisper sound produced by the top housing's polycarbonate. While the top housing may affect the release sound when the key is lifted, it is the nylon bottom that contributes to the more subdued auditory experience when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, both switches harmonize their contrasting characteristics—sharp and resonant tops paired with deep and rich bottoms.
Ultimately, the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Brown achieves a unique balance. This duality allows for a well-rounded typing experience, where users enjoy the light, clear sounds when pressing the keys down and deeper, fuller sounds upon bottoming out. As a result, even though the switches have different branding, their material choices lead to rather similar outcomes in terms of sound and feel, making either option an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, some key differences arise. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Brown requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Silent Brown switch the lighter option, potentially offering less fatigue during extended typing sessions, which may appeal to office workers or gamers. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, creating an incomplete comparison in that regard. On the other hand, the Silent Brown bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Silent Brown may be more satisfying despite its lighter actuation force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch would benefit from the Silent Brown, while those desiring a heavier typing experience might find the actuation of the Everfree Cedar more appealing, provided its bottom out characteristics align with their preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Everfree switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown, making it potentially more responsive and suitable for gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Brown, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and depth, which some users prefer for a typing experience that's less abrupt. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, whereas if you're looking for a deeper and more pronounced actuation, the Silent Brown is advisable.
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 Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which enhances the auditory feedback during typing. This sound characteristic suggests a livelier noise compared to other switch types, contributing to the overall engaging experience of using these switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a distinctly muted sound profile, minimizing the typical clank associated with mechanical keyboards. This design is aimed at users who prefer a quieter environment, making the Silent Brown ideal for shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches provide a snappy and responsive typing experience. This is attributed to their longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in an energetic feedback that feels alive with each keystroke. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches ensures a smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing overall performance. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switches offer a buttery smoothness, characterized by a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Like the Everfree switches, the Silent Brown also benefits from a polished finish, ensuring smooth travel with reduced friction, which allows for a comfortable typing experience without being overly tactile.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch present distinct profiles that cater to different user preferences. The Everfree switch is lively and engaging with its poppy sound and snappy feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy responsive feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Brown excels in providing a quieter, more subdued experience with its muted sound and buttery smoothness, ideal for users prioritizing discretion while typing. Both switches offer polished finishes that enhance their feel, contributing to an overall smooth key travel for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch should ultimately reflect your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard. If you favor a smoother and more responsive keystroke, with a snappy and polished feel, the Everfree Cedar switches may be the ideal option for you, especially if you enjoy a poppy sound profile that enhances your typing experience. These switches are particularly well-suited for gamers or for users who appreciate a lively and smooth performance without the distractions of loud sounds. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback in your keystrokes, the TTC Silent Brown switches would be more appropriate. With their medium-heavy resistance and rounded bump, these switches offer a comfortable typing experience that is both buttery smooth and quieter—making them a perfect fit for quieter workspaces or for situations where a subdued sound is a priority. In essence, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the context in which you will be using your keyboard to make the best decision.
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