Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Wine Red offers enthusiasts a unique blend of performance and auditory experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out as a cost-effective option that boasts a smooth and reliable performance, enhanced by a satisfying, poppy sound profile thanks to Gateron's trusted proprietary mold. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red enchants users with its pillowy light typing feel and an alluringly deep, rich sound that evokes a sense of luxury. Both switches fall into the linear category, appealing to those who prefer a consistent keystroke without the tactile bump. The Everfree (EF) Cedar might be ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable option, while the Wine Red is perfect for those who desire a more premium auditory sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate as the primary material for their top housings. Consequently, both switches are likely to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the inherent qualities of polycarbonate. This material's stiffness is responsible for delivering a clear and resonant audio feedback when typing. Additionally, its translucency enhances the aesthetics of RGB lighting setups, making both switches ideal for gamers or keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize visual appeal alongside sound quality.
However, the comparison diverges when we examine the bottom housings of the two switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound effectively. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more rounded auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which aligns it more closely with the characteristics of its top housing. This choice reinforces the higher-pitched sound profile across both ends of the switch, creating a consistent tonal quality that is distinct from the Everfree (EF) Cedar.
The interaction between these materials yields different overall typing experiences. For the Everfree (EF) Cedar, the combination of a crisply resonant top housing and a deeper, fuller bottom housing results in a unique sound that balances sharpness with warmth. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red delivers a more uniform auditory experience, wherein both the top and bottom housings emphasize a brighter sound profile. Users who prioritize the acoustic qualities of their switches may find the Everfree Cedar's unique blend appealing, while those seeking a harmonized sound throughout may prefer the KTT Wine Red for its consistent polycarbonate construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation force is evident. The Everfree Cedar requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Wine Red is lighter at 44 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use might gravitate towards the Wine Red, which could enhance comfort during long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Cedar might appeal to those who favor a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, which limits a full comparison since the Wine Red has a clear bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Ultimately, while the Everfree Cedar offers a heavier push at the actuation point, the absence of its bottom out force data prevents a comprehensive analysis of the overall force dynamics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Wine Red has a longer travel distance by 0.4 mm compared to the Everfree Cedar. Individuals who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses might prefer the Cedar's shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and deeper key press might opt for the Wine Red switch due to its longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel with each key press. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for depth versus speed in typing or gaming scenarios.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile, offering a lively auditory experience with every key press. This contrasts with the KTT Wine Red switch, which features a deeper, richer, and bassy sound profile. The Wine Red switches are characterized by their low-pitched tones, providing a mellow and more resonant auditory feel compared to the crisper sound of the Everfree Cedar. While both switches deliver enjoyable sound experiences, the Wine Red's bass-heavy characteristics give it a distinct auditory weight that sets it apart.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is known for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a pleasant choice for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. The KTT Wine Red switches, on the other hand, are described as having a pillowy light typing feel that can enhance the tactile experience. This combination of a light touch and soft landing makes them a unique option for users seeking a cushioned keystroke sensation. The strong smoothness of the Everfree Cedar and the delicate softness of the Wine Red create two different yet satisfying typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and KTT Wine Red switches offer distinct acoustic and tactile profiles that cater to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Everfree Cedar provides a bright and responsive sound with a smooth feel, while the Wine Red leans into a deeper sound along with a light and soft tactile experience. Users looking for a satisfying experience will find that each switch delivers its unique charm, and the contrasts between sound and feel give enthusiasts plenty of options for personalizing their typing setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the KTT Wine Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound. If you prioritize a cost-effective switch that offers smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar may be the ideal choice for you. Its design ensures a consistent keystroke without a specified bottom-out force, allowing for a forgiving typing experience suited to long typing sessions or gaming marathons where optimum comfort is key. Conversely, if you seek a more pronounced auditory experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, the KTT Wine Red may be your best bet. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a delightful pillowy feeling when typing, coupled with a bassy tone that can enhance the tactile feedback you're aiming for. In essence, if you value a great sound experience and a slightly firmer keystroke, go for the Wine Red; however, if smoothness and accessibility are paramount, the Everfree Cedar is the way to go. Your choice will ultimately reflect your typing style and how much you appreciate these subtle distinctions in sound and feel.
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