Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Venus each bring unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar switch is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a satisfying pop sound profile that many users appreciate, making it a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers an innovative internal design that results in a buttery, frictionless glide reminiscent of soft textures, providing a light actuation that enables rapid, effortless typing. While the Venus is also noted for its muted sound signature, creating a more subdued typing experience, the Everfree Cedar's poppy acoustics lend a more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a linear feel, but the choice between them may come down to the desired tactile response and sound profile. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Venus exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which directly influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Everfree features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This sound quality is accentuated by the switch's design, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics. In contrast, the TTC Venus utilizes a POM plastic for its top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM is recognized for its ability to create a more unique auditory experience, resulting in the Venus offering a noticeably different auditory feedback compared to the Everfree.
While the top housings of these two switches differ significantly, their bottom housings further contribute to their contrasting characteristics. The Everfree Cedar's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This leads to a rounder audio experience, especially when bottoming out the switch. Conversely, the TTC Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sharper sound profile produced by its top housing. Consequently, the combination of a soft nylon bottom with a polycarbonate top in the Everfree results in more nuanced auditory feedback, while the Venus's dual polycarbonate construction leads to a consistent high-pitched sound throughout.
The differences in housing materials between the Gateron Everfree and the TTC Venus ultimately introduce a distinct tactile sensation and auditory result for each switch. The interaction of the nylon bottom housing in the Everfree emphasizes a softer feel and a fuller sound when pressed, while the Venus, with its dual polycarbonate design, maintains a more pronounced audio profile throughout the pressing action. Users can expect that the unique combination of materials in each switch will offer varied experiences, but the shared presence of polycarbonate in the housing of both switches hints at some similarities in sound clarity and resonance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preferences for sound depth, typing feel, and visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the difference in actuation forces is notable, with the Everfree Cedar requiring 55 grams to actuate while the Venus only requires 45 grams. This makes the Venus a lighter switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Everfree Cedar can provide a more pronounced tactile experience, ideal for those who favor a stronger push feel when typing. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect with the Venus, which has a defined bottom out force of 52 grams. Overall, those desiring a lighter switch may opt for the TTC Venus, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, appealing to those who desire a more responsive key press. The Venus, with its longer travel distance, may resonate better with users who prefer a deeper feel for reassurance when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker actuation, the Gateron Everfree Cedar might be the better choice, whereas if you value a more pronounced travel experience, the TTC Venus would be more suitable.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is renowned for its satisfying, poppy sound profile, which provides a delightful auditory feedback during typing. Although specific descriptors for its sound quality were not provided, the overall impression is that it delivers an engaging experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by its muted sound signature, which leans towards being low-pitched, subdued, and thocky. The sound produced by the Venus is described as softer and more discreet, making it ideal for environments where noise should be minimized. This substantial difference in sound qualities indicates that while the Everfree offers a more pronounced auditory stimulant, the Venus provides a more introverted, elegant acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar's tactile feedback remains unspecified in the provided information, but it is implied that it offers smooth and reliable keystrokes typical of Gateron switches. Conversely, the TTC Venus boasts a range of tactile qualities such as buttery smoothness, a gummy sensation reminiscent of a trampoline, and a frictionless glide that lends itself to effortless typing. The Venus switch's mild characteristics ensure that the overall typing experience is approachable and user-friendly, while a polished finish results in a seamless key travel. Thus, though the Cedar's tactile qualities are not directly discussed, it is reasonable to assume that it may provide a reliably smooth experience similar to the Venus, albeit potentially lacking the unique characteristics that make the Venus stand out.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and TTC Venus switches cater to different preferences in terms of acoustic and tactile experiences. The Everfree is likely to satisfy those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Venus excels in providing a gentle, muted sound coupled with an effortlessly smooth keystroke experience. If you’re looking to explore mechanical keyboards, both switches will help you achieve satisfying performance, but the differences in sound and feel will play a crucial role in determining which one aligns more closely with your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for a smooth and reliable performance with an affordable price point, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option. It offers a satisfying poppy sound profile that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a slightly more engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted and subdued environment, the TTC Venus is ideal, featuring a light actuation force that allows for effortless typing. Its low-pitched, muted sound ensures you won’t disturb those around you, making it a fantastic choice for shared workspaces or night-time use. Additionally, the Venus provides a unique "Q-texture" feel reminiscent of chewy textures, adding an enjoyable dimension to your typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound engagement with the Everfree Cedar or a quiet, plush touch with the TTC Venus, both switches cater to different styles and needs, ensuring there's a perfect match for every typist.
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