Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer two appealing options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Everfree Cedar, a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand, is lauded for its smooth, reliable performance and a satisfying, poppy sound profile. It’s a great option for those seeking an affordable yet dependable switch that enhances typing comfort without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte showcases the latest advancements in switch design, featuring an impressively smooth actuation and a balanced sound profile that isn’t too quiet or overly resonant. This makes it an ideal pick for users who appreciate a refined auditory experience alongside responsive performance. While both switches cater to linear-switch lovers, they do so with distinct characteristics and benefits. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing, primarily due to the materials used. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the illumination to shine through beautifully. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing that, while also delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, focuses on a more muted quality due to its unique material properties. POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction contributes to its smooth operation, highlighting a difference in sound and feel when compared to the sharper sound characteristics associated with polycarbonate.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This shared material choice results in a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s tendency to absorb sound leads to a rounder acoustical characteristic, creating a rich typing experience for users regardless of the switch model. Therefore, even with the differing top housings, both the Everfree Cedar and the Strawberry Latte can elicit a clacky yet satisfying sound due to the shared nylon bottom. This overlap in materials means that while the top housing attributes might diverge, users can expect a resonant sound when bottoming out or releasing the key, emphasizing the role of the bottom housing in defining the overall acoustic experience.
In terms of the overall switch experience, the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and POK in the top housing affect the nuances of the typing feel and sound profile, while the nylon bottom ensures a consistent foundational quality. Thus, although one switch might appeal to users who prioritize RGB lighting and a sharper auditory feedback (Everfree Cedar), the other might be favored for its smooth operation and durability (Strawberry Latte). Ultimately, for those seeking a distinctly different experience, the contrasts in top housing materials provide unique attributes—resulting in different overall typing sensations while retaining a shared depth of sound courtesy of the nylon bottoms. This duality in design illustrates how variations in material choices can yield diverse performances within a seemingly unified category of switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch might find the Strawberry Latte more suitable for extended typing sessions, as less force is required to actuate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Strawberry Latte has a measurable force of 45 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is currently unavailable. This further solidifies the Strawberry Latte's position as the lighter switch, which is ideal for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that feels substantial and requires more effort, the Everfree Cedar will provide that heavier push feel, while the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter, more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their distances identical. This means that users will experience a comparable keypress depth when engaging either switch, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation feel. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they are likely to deliver a uniform experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom during use. Overall, users can expect a consistent performance from both switches regarding travel 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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 is known for a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a bit of auditory engagement without being overly distracting. This can provide a pleasant feedback loop, enhancing the typing experience, especially during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile that isn't too hushed but also avoids excessive resonance. This can make the Strawberry Latte sound more refined and versatile, suitable for both professional and casual environments where noise levels might be a concern. Overall, both switches provide distinct auditory qualities, with the Cedar leaning toward a cheerful pop and the Strawberry Latte emphasizing a more understated balance.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is characterized by smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize seamless key presses. This smoothness can translate to a satisfying typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a fluid typing motion. In comparison, the Huano Strawberry Latte is also known for its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest molds employed in its design. This similarity means that both switches deliver an enjoyable, gliding feel, which can enhance the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during long sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer compelling options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene. While the Cedar switch presents a more poppy and cheerful sound profile, the Strawberry Latte brings a refined and balanced tone. Both switches excel in providing a smooth feel, making them comfortable for extensive typing durations. Ultimately, your choice might depend on your personal preference for sound characteristics, but either option will provide satisfying performance for a variety of uses.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree Cedar linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and how they align with each switch's characteristics. If you prefer a switch that offers a highly smooth and reliable performance without a specified bottom-out force, the Everfree Cedar may be your ideal choice. Its satisfying and poppy sound profile could enhance your typing experience, especially if you're looking for a cost-effective option that delivers quality. On the other hand, if you find that you enjoy a slightly heavier typing experience and appreciate a more balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte, with its 45 grams bottom-out force, might be more suited to your style. This switch is noted for its super smooth action and a sound that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it versatile for various typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and the auditory feedback you seek in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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