Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often start with the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The Everfree Cedar, a product of Gateron's sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious typists. Its satisfying poppy sound profile enhances the typing experience, providing a nice auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream takes a more luxurious approach with its innovative use of POK material, offering a remarkably smooth and creamy feel that’s akin to its dessert namesake. Its high-pitched and clacky sound signature sets it apart, appealing to those who relish a more resonant auditory feedback while typing. Both switches boast unique characteristics catering to different preferences, allowing users to choose between budget-friendly reliability and a premium typing sensation. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches utilize different materials for their respective top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall acoustic characteristics. The EF Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, producing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound signature. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts due to its clear nature, which enhances the visual effect of the lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream adopts a proprietary blend of "special mixed materials," which, while not explicitly detailed, claims to yield a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound. Hence, while both switches offer a vibrant and lively auditory experience, the EF Cedar’s polycarbonate construction may provide a more consistent sound clarity, especially under RGB lighting conditions.

Examining the bottom housings reveals further differences in their acoustic properties and material strengths. The Everfree (EF) Cedar uses a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a warm, rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material, which stands out for its remarkable wear resistance and smooth performance due to its low coefficient of friction. Consequently, while the nylon bottom housing in the EF Cedar emphasizes a muffled, rounded bottom-out sound, the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances the typing experience with its smoother keystrokes and durability.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials influences both the sound and feel of each switch, particularly during the typing experience. The Everfree Cedar’s nylon bottom strengthens the tactile feedback with a pronounced acoustical warmth, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream’s POK housing introduces a more lively and responsive touch, accentuating its clacky sound signature. The interaction between the top and bottom housings creates a distinct personality for each switch; the top tenacity of polycarbonate and proprietary materials in the respective switches dictate the sound release upon keystroke lift. Therefore, although both switches offer enjoyable and unique tactile interactions, the nuanced differences in material composition present varying sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to distinct typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation forces that can impact the typing experience. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream, which features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This difference means that the Everfree Cedar will require more effort to actuate, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. In terms of bottom-out force, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a measurable bottom-out force of 48 grams, but unfortunately, the bottom-out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable. Since the Everfree’s actuation force is heavier and the Vanilla Ice Cream’s is lighter, users who type for extended periods may find the lighter switch easier on the fingers, while those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback may gravitate towards the heavier switch for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar switch the longer option by just 0.1 mm. For users who favor a more responsive feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream may be the better choice, as it offers a quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress, as its longer distance provides a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for ergonomics and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch produces a satisfying and poppy sound profile, offering a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke that is enjoyable for both casual typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch presents a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, marked by a marbly resonance that evokes a clean and sharp acoustic experience. The differences in their sound profiles suggest that while both options provide a distinct auditory feedback, the Everfree Cedar leans towards a more subtle and pleasant tone, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream creates a more vibrant and pronounced sound, appealing to those who appreciate a livelier auditory interaction with their keyboard.

When it comes to tactile feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's characteristics are less defined compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, which offers a notably buttery and creamy typing experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch is designed to deliver a smooth and effortless keystroke, providing a sensation that feels both silky and fluid under the fingers. This type of feel is particularly captivating for typists who prioritize a seamless interaction with each key press. While the specific feel of the Everfree Cedar is not detailed, it is reasonable to assume that both switches will deliver a generally smooth experience, owing to their linear nature. However, the KTT switch excels in providing a luxurious typing experience that sets it apart.

In conclusion, if you're deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, you will find that both have distinct sound profiles and tactile feelings. The Everfree Cedar offers a more subdued and poppy sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream excels in delivering a high-pitched, clacky, and resonant auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its creamy and buttery typing sensation, which enhances the overall typing experience. If you're looking for a distinctive sound and feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the way to go, but the Everfree Cedar holds its own as a solid choice for those who prefer something more understated. Ultimately, personal preference will guide your choice between these two engaging options.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a more cost-effective option that prioritizes reliability and a satisfying, poppy sound profile, the EF Cedar is an excellent choice. Its smooth performance makes it suitable for both casual typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a linear feel without a specified bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you value a uniquely smooth and creamy tactile experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is likely more appealing. It offers a delightful buttery feel and a high-pitched, resonant sound that can enhance your typing experience. This switch is well-suited for those who enjoy a premium feel and sound signature that stands out in a busy environment. Ultimately, consider the type of experience you seek—whether it’s the dependable performance of the Everfree or the indulgent smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more