Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth, reliable performance at a cost-effective price, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious users who seek a satisfying, poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), also a linear switch, offers a unique auditory experience with its resonant and clacky notes. This switch excels thanks to its impeccable factory lube job, transforming each keystroke into a silky smooth action that caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback alongside auditory satisfaction. While both switches provide distinct advantages, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a budget-friendly, subtle sound or the captivating auditory qualities of clack and resonance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a notable distinction arises in their top housings. The EF Cedar utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This quality enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the keypresses, making it particularly effective in combination with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) adopts a newer material called Ly for its top housing, which is also designed to offer a bright sound signature. This means that while both switches may produce audible and pronounced keypresses, the Everfree's polycarbonate may lean more toward clear and crisp tones, whereas the Strawberry Wine aims for bright resonance in its auditory feedback.
Conversely, both switches share an identical choice for their bottom housing material, nylon, which influences the depth and fullness of the sound profile. Nylon is recognized as a classic housing material that inherently absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder acoustic character when typing. Both the EF Cedar and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize this property of nylon to create a satisfying, muted bottom-out sound, contributing to an overall enjoyable typing experience. Since the bottom housing has a significant role in the acoustic and tactile feel of the switches when fully pressed down, both models offer similar results in terms of the pleasing depth associated with nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in these switches results in a unique sound signature and tactile experience. With the EF Cedar's polycarbonate top combined with a nylon bottom, one can expect clear and crisp sounds transitioning into a deeper and more fertile auditory response. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) achieves a fusion of brightness from its Ly top housing with the same bass-rich resonation from the nylon bottom. Therefore, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences while drawing from similar foundational qualities that enhance their respective performances.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Strawberry Wine (V2), which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch will likely favor the Strawberry Wine for its ease of use during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a measured force of 52 grams, while the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown. As a result, the bottoming out experience for users of the Strawberry Wine provides medium-light feedback, contrasting with the undefined bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar. Ultimately, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Everfree Cedar, while those looking for a more effortless typing experience would likely prefer the lighter Strawberry Wine (V2).
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This means that users of either switch will experience a similar key press feel, allowing for consistent performance across both switches. The identical travel distance of 3.6 mm ensures that both switches provide a comparable typing experience, making them desirable options for those seeking linear switches with a consistent feedback profile.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 produces a satisfying, poppy tone that is notably pleasant and provides a balanced auditory feedback while typing. This sound is likely less pronounced than the Strawberry Wine (V2), which offers a more resonant and clacky auditory experience. The clacky nature of the Strawberry Wine switches is characterized by their sharp and snappy sounds, which can deliver an engaging typing experience. Their high-pitched acoustics contrast with the Cedar's smoother tones, making the Strawberry Wine a more vibrant option for those who appreciate pronounced acoustics in their typing.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is highlighted for its reliable performance, but specific tactile descriptions are not provided, leaving the feel somewhat open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out with its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience. This reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys enhances the overall sensation of typing, allowing for a more luxurious feel compared to what can be expected from the Cedar. While the Cedar may deliver dependable performance, the tactile feedback of the Strawberry Wine appears to elevate the user experience substantially.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches may both appreciate a smoothness in design, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cedar offers a more subdued, poppy auditory profile, while the Strawberry Wine excels with its clackiness and resonant notes. On the tactile side, the silky smoothness of the Strawberry Wine could outshine the Cedar's performance, which remains less distinctly characterized. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more engaging auditory experience and an exceptional tactile feel, or a reliable and balanced typing performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches largely hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you are seeking a budget-friendly option that promises smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice, particularly if you prefer a less noisy environment, as it features a poppy sound that is satisfying without being too intrusive. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more auditory experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a resonant and clacky sound profile that enhances your typing with a sharp, crisp feedback that many find enjoyable. Moreover, with its silky smooth action due to an impeccable factory lube job, this switch is ideal for those who appreciate a luxurious typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be informed by whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness with the Everfree or a lively, auditory experience with the Strawberry Wine.
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