Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves evaluating options based on sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall performance. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dareu Sky V4 are both linear switches that present distinct yet appealing characteristics for different types of users. The Everfree Cedar, a product of Gateron's reputation for quality, is lauded for its snappy and polished performance, delivering a smooth typing experience coupled with a satisfying poppy sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an economical yet effective linear switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 sets itself apart by incorporating innovative POK material in its top housing, resulting in a thocky and deep sound signature that enhances the typing experience. With its neutral low-pitched feedback, it may be more suited for users who value a rich auditory experience alongside smooth keystrokes. Both switches offer unique advantages, but however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dareu Sky V4, distinct differences emerge, especially concerning their top housings. The Everfree Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its clarity and resonance, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity of the audio output, making it particularly suitable for users who appreciate vibrant sound characteristics, especially when RGB lighting is utilized due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sky V4 opts for a POK material for its top housing, known for its exceptionally low friction properties and superior durability compared to standard materials like POM and Nylon. Although POK does not emphasize sound clarity to the same extent as polycarbonate, it offers a distinctively smooth feel during keystrokes, highlighting a different facet of performance.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both the Everfree Cedar and the Dareu Sky V4 utilizing nylon. This shared material is paramount in shaping the sound profile experienced when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience regardless of the switch's top housing. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in their contributions to sound clarity versus smoothness, the nylon bottoms unite them in delivering a rounded, pleasant sound output. Thus, users can expect both switches to produce a similar auditory depth due to their identical bottom housing material.

The interplay between the top and bottom housings of these switches demonstrates how material properties contribute not only to sound quality but also to the overall tactile experience. For users who prioritize sound clarity and vibrancy, the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top housing is likely to deliver an engaging acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4, with its POK material, may appeal to those seeking smooth keypresses despite a less pronounced sound profile. However, the commonality in bottom housing ensures that despite differing top materials, both switches ultimately provide a rich auditory experience when bottoming out, reinforcing that the interplay between housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we notice distinct differences. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Cedar will require more effort to achieve a keystroke, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Sky V4 can make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it demands less effort from the fingers. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force remains unknown, while the Sky V4's is noted to be 55 grams, classified as medium-light. As a result, users who appreciate lighter switches for comfort and endurance could favor the Dareu Sky V4 due to its lower actuation force, while enthusiasts who enjoy a heavier feel might opt for the Gateron Everfree Cedar, assuming the bottom out characteristics align with their preferences. Overall, if both had known bottom out forces, those who seek a lighter switch should gravitate toward the Sky V4, while those desiring a heavier sensation would consider the Everfree Cedar.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that users will experience the same distance when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This identical travel distance suggests that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience, making them interchangeable for users who prioritize key travel length in their mechanical keyboards. Therefore, when it comes to travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other; they are on equal footing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. It's designed to provide a responsive auditory feedback that many typists find gratifying. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch features a deeper sound signature, often referred to as "thocky." This gives it a rich and satisfying auditory experience, akin to a soft "knock" when pressed, which can add a layer of enjoyment during long typing sessions. The Sky V4's low-pitched sound also distinguishes it further, offering a more bass-heavy tone compared to the poppy nature of the Everfree Cedar. Ultimately, both switches provide unique sound characteristics, shaping the ambience of your typing environment based on your preferences.

In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for its snappy and polished performance. The snappy action allows for quick responses and can elevate the typing experience to feel more alive, while the polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel and reduced friction due to either high-quality materials or factory lubing. Unfortunately, the feel of the Sky V4 is not specified; however, if it aligns with common linear switch attributes, one can expect a generally smooth and unencumbered key travel. Without defined descriptors for the Sky V4's feel, one might lean towards the responsive and refined sensation provided by the Everfree Cedar.

In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches each present their own distinctive traits, they both cater to particular preferences in a mechanical keyboard experience. The Everfree Cedar is marked by its poppy sound and snappy feel, while the Sky V4 boasts a thocky, low-pitched sound that can appeal to users looking for a deeper auditory experience. If the Sky V4 translates its typical characteristics into a smooth feel, users can expect satisfaction from both switches but with differing auditory signatures. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you are more inclined towards the Everfree Cedar's energetic response or the deep, mellow tones of the Sky V4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth and snappy typing experience, along with an affordable option for your mechanical keyboard, the EF Cedar is an excellent pick. It offers a cost-effective solution with its poppy sound profile and polished feel, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing experience or are new to the world of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique typing experience characterized by a deeper, thocky sound and a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Sky V4 should be your go-to switch. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a richer audio signature and a more grounded feel while typing. All in all, your decision should align with whether you value a snappy, polished performance or a deep, satisfying sound complemented by a stable actuation force.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more