Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Everfree Cedar, recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, provides a satisfying and poppy sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. This linear switch is an appealing, cost-effective option from Gateron’s sub-brand, perfect for gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive feel without the tactile bump. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a quieter experience, making it an excellent choice for users in shared spaces or those who prefer a more muted sound. With its silky and polished performance, this switch delivers a comfortable, cushy bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, aligning well with users who prioritize peace and solitude during their typing sessions. Both switches have their unique merits, appealing to different needs and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches exhibit distinct characteristics owing to their differing housing materials, yet they share certain sound profile traits that can lead to similar auditory experiences. The Everfree's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to the rigidity of the polycarbonate, which contributes to a more resonant sound when a key is pressed. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, delivering a similarly pointed and high-pitched sound profile, albeit described as "not overly sharp." Both switches thus achieve a bright sound quality, making them both appealing options for users seeking an engaging auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is a consideration due to the translucency of their upper housings.
Diving deeper into the bottom housing, the Everfree Cedar features a nylon casing which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This inherently absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a more subdued and rounded auditory effect when a key is bottomed out. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend in the bottom housing as well, which, while also yielding a pointed, high-pitched sound, is described as clacky. The contrast between the softer nylon of the Cedar and the material blend of the Silent Ink Black affects the feel and sound when the key is pressed down, creating a noticeable difference in the bottom-out experience. Those who prioritize the subtleties in sound when typing will find that while both switches maintain a level of brightness, the execution of sound profiles influenced by their respective bottom housings differs.
Ultimately, both switch types reflect how varying materials in housing can culminate in nuanced differences while also achieving certain similarity in sound quality. Users looking for a bright typing experience will likely appreciate either switch, but their preferences might sway based on the tactile feel they desire. While the nylon bottom housing of the Everfree Cedar might appeal to those seeking a fuller sound, the clacky resonance of the Silent Ink Black's INK blend may captivate users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. Regardless of the inherent differences, both switches capitalize on high-pitched sound profiles, showcasing the versatility and engineering behind Gateron's designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches, which can benefit users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended use, such as in long gaming sessions or at work. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a firmer feedback when keys are fully pressed down, which can enhance typing confidence. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is not specified, leaving an unknown in that aspect. As a result, users seeking lighter switches for comfort may prefer the Everfree Cedar, while those favoring a stronger keystroke should consider the Silent Ink Black for its heavier feel and defined bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This positions the Everfree switch as the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, who may benefit from the reduced distance for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, providing a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. Depending on personal preference, individuals may favor the Everfree for its rapid response or the Silent Ink Black for its classic feel and robust actuation distance.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 linear switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that provides pleasant auditory feedback without being overly noisy. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy some auditory confirmation of their key presses while working or gaming. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is engineered specifically for quieter environments, featuring a muted sound characteristic that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. Overall, while the Everfree Cedar delivers a more pronounced and enjoyable sound, the Silent Ink Black caters to those needing discretion in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a reliable and smooth typing experience, though specific details about its tactile characteristics are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in offering a particularly silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The reduced resistance, as well as the refined finish typical of these switches, contributes to a seamless key press and release without any noticeable friction. While the Everfree Cedar is reliable and smooth, the Silent Ink Black elevates comfort with its plush bottom-out sensation and effortless key action.
In summary, both switches present distinct advantages depending on individual preferences and typing scenarios. The Everfree (EF) Cedar aims to please with its satisfying sound and reliable performance, making it suitable for users who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a quieter experience and an exceptionally smooth feel, making it more appropriate for environments where noise is an issue. Depending on what aspects are most crucial to you—sound or feel—you'll find that both switches can cater to different needs, allowing for a tailored typing experience that suits your environment and personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using them. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers a satisfying and smooth typing experience, alongside a poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice for everyday use or gaming, especially in settings where a little extra noise is not a concern. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, such as in a shared office space or during late-night work sessions, the Silent Ink Black is your ideal option. Its muted sound and cushy, silky feel ensure minimal audio feedback, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider your environment and personal typing style when making your selection—both switches have unique offerings to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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