Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, users often weigh the characteristics that will enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Silent Red are two noteworthy linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar excels with its smooth performance and satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it a cost-effective option for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red prioritizes a quiet and seamless feel, perfect for office environments or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. While the Everfree Cedar is recognized for its snappy and polished responsiveness, the Silent Red offers a mild and muted experience, complete with a padded bottom-out for added comfort. Each switch presents its own unique advantages, appealing to different users based on their specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material choice is significant as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance, leading to a distinct auditory experience when typing. Furthermore, both switches leverage the translucency of the polycarbonate top, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. This aesthetic advantage allows users to enjoy vibrant lighting effects without compromising the sound quality associated with the switch activation. As a result, users can expect similar acoustic performance in terms of clarity and resonance from both switches.
Conversely, when examining the bottom housing, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Silent Red utilize nylon, a material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience during key presses. This characteristic influences the typing feel and sound when a key is bottomed out, providing a contrast to the crispness delivered by the polycarbonate top housing. Thus, while the top and bottom housings serve different acoustic roles, the combination of materials results in a complex and pleasing sound profile for both switches.
In summary, while the top housings of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and TTC Silent Red are identical in material and contribute similarly to the sound profile with their crisper output, the bottoms differ in their contributions to the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the full-bodied acoustics during key presses, providing a warmth that balances out the clearer sound of the polycarbonate top. Thus, even through their differences in bottom housing material, users will find that the unique combination of materials in each switch allows for a well-rounded acoustic performance, delivering both clarity and depth in sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces, with the Everfree Cedar requiring 55 grams to register a keystroke, while the Silent Red is significantly lighter at 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Everfree Cedar offers a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a firmer push feel, whereas the Silent Red caters to users looking for a lighter touch, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar remains unknown, in contrast to the Silent Red's known bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. Thus, if a user desires a softer typing experience overall, the TTC Silent Red would be the better choice due to its lighter actuation and medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Gateron Everfree Cedar promotes a heavier feel despite the ambiguity of its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a slight difference in travel distance that may influence user preference. The Everfree switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Silent Red has the longer travel distance of the two, offering a more pronounced depth when pressed. For users who value responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree switch may provide quicker actuation, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who prefer a more traditional feel with a deeper key press may gravitate towards the Silent Red due to its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 provides a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is characteristic of its design, offering a distinct auditory feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience, featuring a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Reds particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces, while the Cedar offers a more pronounced sound for those who appreciate a little more acoustic dynamism in their keypresses.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is equipped with a snappy responsiveness that enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel alive and engaging. This snappiness is often attributed to the dual-staged springs that can be utilized in its design, ensuring that users have a dynamic tactile response. Additionally, the Cedar is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red offers a milder experience, making it approachable to a wider audience. It also boasts a polished finish, ensuring that users enjoy a smoothly consistent feel throughout their typing without excessive friction, making it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue.
In conclusion, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out with its lively, poppy sound and snappy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a robust typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a quieter, smoother typing experience that is perfect for quieter environments. Both switches feature a polished design, ensuring that users can expect a smooth keystroke, but the choice ultimately depends on whether one values sound and tactile feedback or prefers a muted and refined approach.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch largely depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a more vibrant and responsive feel, the Everfree Cedar may be your go-to option. Its snappy and polished mechanics not only provide a poppy sound profile but also offer a smooth performance that many users find satisfying. However, if you're particularly sensitive to noise or need a quieter environment—such as in an office or shared living space—the TTC Silent Red would be the superior choice. Its muted sound profile and medium-heavy bottom-out force create a comfortable yet unobtrusive typing experience that is gentle on the ears. Both switches are polished, ensuring smooth key travel, but your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lively auditory feedback or prefer a peaceful and serene typing environment. Ultimately, your personal taste and use case will guide you to the switch that enhances your keyboard experience.
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