Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Haimu Viola Tricolor 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor present two compelling yet distinct options for different typing preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is a linear switch that excels in delivering smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an uninterrupted typing experience. Designed with Gateron's proprietary mold, it also boasts a satisfying poppy sound profile while remaining cost-effective, appealing to budget-conscious users. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a tactile design that offers a pronounced feedback with its thuddy and punchy sound, enhancing the overall character of your typing experience. Striking the perfect balance between tactility and comfort, it ensures that you feel each key press without overwhelming your senses. Each switch caters to different user preferences; whether you prefer the silky smoothness of the Everfree (EF) Cedar for fast-paced gaming or the engaging tactile experience of the Viola Tricolor for typing, your choice will significantly impact your keyboard experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase a shared commitment to high-quality build and an emphasis on enhancing the acoustic profile of mechanical switches. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for its ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making it an excellent choice, especially for switches that benefit from RGB lighting due to its translucency. This similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect comparable sound dynamics when typing or gaming, as both switches will produce resonant and pronounced auditory feedback supported by the transparent quality of polycarbonate.
Conversely, the bottom housing of the Gateron Everfree Cedar and Haimu Viola Tricolor both employs nylon, which fundamentally alters the sound characteristics delivered when the switch is engaged. Nylon's inherently softer properties tend to absorb sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate. This results in a fuller, deeper sound profile that creates a distinct contrast to the high-pitched clarity of the top housing. While both switches will offer a blend of sound profiles during use, the nylon bottom housing will round off the auditory experience, providing a more muted and robust sound upon actuation. Thus, the combined housing materials contribute to a nuanced sound signature that balances clarity with depth.
In summary, while the top housings of both the Everfree Cedar and Viola Tricolor utilize polycarbonate, yielding a crisp sound profile, their nylon bottom housings deliver a richer, lower frequency response. This dual-material approach means that users of either switch can gain similar sound and tactile experiences while still enjoying the unique attributes of each switch's sound profile, thanks to the interplay between the two materials. Overall, the informed selection of polycarbonate and nylon allows for an engaging typing experience that highlights both the precision of typing and the satisfying feedback integral to mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting it requires a moderate amount of pressure for activation, which can be beneficial for users who enjoy a smoother typing experience. However, its bottom out force is unavailable, making it challenging to assess how it feels when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor’s actuation force is unknown, but it boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial resistance when pressed down completely. In terms of weight, the Everfree Cedar is lighter due to its known actuation force, which might appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for prolonged typing sessions with less effort. The Viola Tricolor, being medium-heavy, may be preferred by those who favor a stronger tactile feedback and a more solid typing experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy feeling every keystroke. In summary, while the Everfree Cedar offers a lighter experience with its 55-gram actuation force, the Viola Tricolor’s heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams presents a firmer feel, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a slightly greater travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar is the shorter of the two, making it potentially more appealing for those who prefer quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, providing a deeper feel that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch provides a satisfying poppy sound profile that is both pleasant and unobtrusive, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer quieter operation in their typing environment. It engenders a smooth journey from actuation to bottoming out, characterized by a balanced tonal quality that allows for focused typing without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch captivates with its deeper, bassy sound that resonates with a low-pitched quality. This richer sound profile not only enhances the auditory experience but also adds a layer of character to each keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is celebrated for its smoothness and reliability, providing a seamless typing experience that is free from interruptions or scratchiness. This allows for fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes, catering to users who favor a clean linear feel without any tactile bumps. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a medium tactile sensation that is both pronounced and invigorating. The tactility strikes an excellent balance, delivering noticeable feedback during actuation that keeps the typist engaged without becoming overwhelming or distracting, making every keystroke feel purposeful and lively.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches represent two distinct approaches within the mechanical keyboard switch landscape. The smooth, poppy sound and ultra-smooth feel of the Cedar switch make it a strong candidate for those who appreciate a straightforward linear typing experience, while the deeper, bassy tonal quality and invigorating tactility of the Viola Tricolor appeals to users who want more character and feedback in their typing. Ultimately, which switch to choose will depend on the user's preferences for sound and feel, as both offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize smoothness and reliability with a quieter sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is likely your best choice. Its linear design caters to those who enjoy a seamless key press experience without noticeable tactile bumps or loud sounds, making it ideal for both gaming and typing in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you relish the feedback of tactile switches and appreciate a richer audio experience, the Viola Tricolor will not disappoint. Its clearly defined actuation point and stimulating tactile feedback provide a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the auditory and physical sensations of their keystrokes. The Viola's medium-heavy actuation force may also cater well to users who prefer a bit more resistance while typing, particularly for long sessions of typing or coding. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value the refined smoothness of linear switches or the pronounced response of tactility, as both switches will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience in their unique ways.
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