Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence the user experience, particularly for gamers and typists. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that provides an enjoyable tactile feedback without being overly loud. This makes it a fantastic option for users who appreciate a balance between efficiency and auditory pleasure, all while remaining budget-friendly. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that cater to those who require quick response times in competitive settings. Moreover, its pleasing bassy sound adds a layer of enjoyment for users seeking a more immersive experience during their gameplay. While both switches fall into the linear category and prioritize smooth keystrokes, the Everfree Cedar leans towards reliable versatility, whereas the V3 Silver Pro is all about rapid agility. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share notable similarities, particularly with their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, renowned for its contribution to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, leading to a distinctive auditory experience favored by many typing enthusiasts. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them well-suited for setups featuring RGB lighting. This shared material in the top housing suggests that users can expect similarly vibrant lighting effects and sound characteristics, cultivating a bright and lively atmosphere when in use.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches employ nylon, which significantly influences the overall sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, contributing to a deeper and fuller typing experience. This means that while both switches share the same top housing, the bottom housing's use of nylon offers a distinct auditory sensation, making the bottom-out sound softer and rounder compared to other materials. The complementary nature of these materials allows users to experience a dynamic range of sounds; the crispness from the polycarbonate top complements the warmth from the nylon bottom, producing a well-rounded typing experience characteristic of both switches.
Consequently, although the Gateron Everfree Cedar and Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize different combinations for their housings, the overall interplay between the materials remains harmonious. The polycarbonate top serves to provide clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom adds depth and warmth. This hybrid construction presents a balanced auditory profile, allowing users to enjoy the best qualities of both materials. Therefore, regardless of specific branding or model, users can anticipate a translatable acoustic performance owing to the inherent qualities of the housing materials utilized in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with its actuation force of 55 grams to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams, it’s clear that the V3 Silver Pro will provide a more effortless typing experience. The bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is not disclosed, leaving us with an incomplete comparison for that measurement. However, the V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter-feeling switch overall. For users who prefer a lighter switch to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the preferable choice. Conversely, the Gateron Everfree Cedar, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience that comes with a stronger resistance. Ultimately, while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar's missing bottom out information leaves its complete impact on the typing experience somewhat ambiguous.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Silver Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter. This distinction suggests that gamers or typists who prefer quicker response times might lean towards the Akko V3 Silver Pro due to its shorter travel distance. However, for individuals who favor a more substantial typing experience with a deeper feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar could be the better choice, providing a more pronounced travel sensation. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is ideal, whereas the Everfree (EF) Cedar caters to those who enjoy a little more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 offers a satisfying and poppy auditory experience, which is pleasing for many users who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, which can appeal to those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback while typing or gaming. It's important to note that the exact sound profile can also vary based on the keyboard design and keycap choice, so both switches may have aspects that resonate differently with individual preferences.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its reliable performance, while the V3 Silver Pro excels in providing an easy-to-press experience with minimal resistance. The latter's light actuation force significantly enhances comfort, especially during prolonged use, reducing fatigue and promoting a more enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro is celebrated for its creamy, feathery, polished, and silky characteristics, contributing to an incredibly smooth glide during each keystroke. This contrasts with the Everfree switch, which focuses more on its reliable and satisfactory feedback rather than the tactile nuances present in the V3 Silver Pro.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Everfree switch is ideal for those seeking a poppy sound profile while enjoying reliable performance, whereas the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers who value quick response times, a light touch, and a luxurious typing feel. In choosing between them, you’ll find that both options deliver enjoyable experiences, albeit with distinct qualities that may sway your decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you are a gamer or someone who prioritizes rapid key presses and minimal resistance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro will serve you well. Its light actuation force and shortened travel distance make it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming, where quick reactions can be crucial. Moreover, its high-pitched sound profile, described as sharp and crisp, can add an engaging auditory element to your setup. On the other hand, if you are seeking a cost-effective switch that offers smooth, reliable performance for general typing or casual usage, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is a sensible option. This switch provides a satisfying and poppy sound along with a silky and polished feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without the fatigue that can come from stiffer switches. In essence, if you desire a balance between smoothness and an appealing sound for everyday tasks, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is your go-to, whereas the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for high-stakes gaming scenarios and those who enjoy an easy-to-press experience.
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