Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dareu Snow both offer unique advantages, appealing to different types of keyboard enthusiasts. The Everfree Cedar, a product of Gateron's reputable sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Its satisfying poppy sound profile can enhance the typing experience, providing an enjoyable tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative POK material used in both the top housing and stem, which contributes to its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and bouncy feel. This makes the Snow an appealing choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and a deeper acoustical experience. While both switches fall into the linear category, their distinct characteristics cater to individual preferences in sound and feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dareu Snow switches utilize different materials for their top-housing components, which has a notable impact on their sound profiles. The Everfree Cedar switch features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This attribute makes it especially suitable for RGB lighting setups, as the clear housing allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Dareu Snow incorporates a POK (polyketone) top housing, which excels in smoothness and durability. It possesses a high resistance to wear and superior shock resistance compared to traditional plastics like Nylon and POM. While both materials are engineered for clarity in sound production, the polycarbonate of the Everfree Cedar emphasizes a crisper, more resonant sound, whereas the POK material may foster a smooth yet slightly less defined auditory experience.
Both the Gateron Everfree Cedar and Dareu Snow switches share a common material for their bottom housing, which is Nylon. This alignment in bottom housing construction ensures that both switches produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics. The result is a rounder and warmer auditory feedback regardless of the distinctive qualities found in their respective top housings. Consequently, when pressed, users will experience a similar depth of sound from both switches, despite the different characteristics of their top housing materials. This shared nylon composition allows both switches to achieve a pleasing auditory result, particularly during the actuation phase.
The interactions between the differing materials in the Everfree Cedar and Dareu Snow switches illustrate how the top and bottom housings influence overall performance. While the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top housing accentuates the sharper sound upon release, the POK top housing of the Snow promotes smoothness in actuation. Nonetheless, both switches ultimately benefit from the nylon bottom housing’s ability to create that richer sound experience. Thus, while users might expect distinctive results due to different top materials, the bottom housing helps maintain a cohesive auditory signature across both switches. In practice, this results in a more nuanced typing experience, where the effects of different top materials can be appreciated alongside the warm undertones facilitated by nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find some differences in their actuation forces that may influence user preference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Snow switch has a slightly lighter actuation force at 50 grams. This means that the Snow switch requires less force to register a keystroke, potentially making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree switch is not available, making it impossible to assess its overall resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Snow's bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon complete keystroke engagement. This could appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while the Everfree is heavier in terms of actuation force, the lack of bottom out data prevents a full comparison. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch should lean towards the Dareu Snow, whereas those who appreciate a heavier push may find the Gateron Everfree more to their liking, assuming a comparable bottom out force can be determined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar provides a longer travel distance, which can cater to those who prefer a more substantial feel during their keystrokes, offering a greater depth that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Snow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and fast-paced users seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation with less travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Everfree Cedar being the more traditional and deeper feeling option, while the Dareu Snow offers a snappier and more responsive typing experience.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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, designed to enhance the typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. This makes it a solid choice for those who want a pleasant auditory feedback during use. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch delivers a deeper sound signature, characterized as thocky. This switch produces a rich and satisfying thud upon actuation, appealing to those who appreciate a low-pitched tone that is both mellow and resonant. While both switches cater to different auditory preferences, they each contribute unique sound qualities that can be affected by external factors like the keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch's tactile characteristics are not explicitly detailed, but Gateron’s reputation suggests a smooth and stable linear action, providing an enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like sensation and a lively rebound with each keystroke. This can create a more engaging typing experience for users who enjoy a more dynamic feel in their switch choice. While the Everfree Cedar may deliver consistent performance, the Snow switch’s bouncy nature allows for a different level of interaction that some typists may prefer.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dareu Snow linear switches offer distinct characteristics that could appeal to different typists. The Cedar boasts a smooth, satisfying auditory profile, while the Snow presents a deeper, thocky sound combined with a bouncy tactile feedback that can invigorate the typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, and both can provide satisfying results based on their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent performance at a cost-effective price, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. While specific bottom-out force information isn't available, its design promises reliability and a satisfying sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more streamlined keystroke feel without a lot of fuss. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a more distinct acoustic presence and tactile feedback, the Dareu Snow is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a good balance that keeps you aware of your typing without being overly taxing, while the unique POK material ensures a deeper, thocky sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the Snow switch adds a playful element to your keystrokes, which can be particularly satisfying during long typing sessions. In short, choose the Everfree Cedar for a simple, reliable typing experience, or opt for the Dareu Snow for a richer auditory experience and a bouncier feel.
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