Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Yunhai 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 Yunhai present two compelling linear options that cater to distinct user preferences. The Everfree Cedar stands out for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand. Characterized by a satisfying and poppy sound profile, these switches are ideal for users seeking a blend of responsiveness and auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai captures attention with its uniquely deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, offering typists an effortlessly gentle experience that minimizes fatigue during extended typing sessions. While both switches present their advantages—smoothness and auditory appeal versus lightness and comfort—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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Yunhai, a distinct contrast becomes evident in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer structure. This design choice not only enhances clarity in auditory feedback but also makes the switch particularly appealing for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of the polycarbonate housing allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai uses a nylon top housing, which is lauded for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer plastic quality, which absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Hence, while both switches might offer unique auditory traits, the Gateron Everfree excels in clarity and brightness, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced sound, while the Yunhai is suited for those who favor warmth and depth.
Interestingly, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the TTC Yunhai share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This choice influences the overall sound profile similarly, as nylon's inherent properties absorb sound and contribute to a fuller experience when bottoms out. This shared material means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a consistent deep and rich sound regardless of the top housing material. Consequently, while the tops of the switches offer contrasting audio characteristics, the bottoms unify their auditory feel and response, ensuring that the fundamental performance of both switches remains closely aligned at the lower end.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in both switches highlights how housing elements can create a nuanced typing experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar capitalizes on polycarbonate's acoustic properties in its top housing to deliver a bright and resonant sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom of both switches serves to anchor the sound profile in a deeper, rounder response when pressing down. Therefore, although the top housings are distinct in their capabilities, the complementary use of nylon in the bottom housings guarantees that users will attain a unique blend of sound characteristics tailored to their preferences—sharp and bright in the case of the Everfree and rich and deep with the Yunhai.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it heavier than the Yunhai's actuation force of just 42 grams. This difference indicates that the Evergreen Cedar will provide a more substantial feel when typing, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is currently unknown, while the Yunhai switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. With the Yunhai's lighter actuation force and known bottom out force, it may be more suitable for those who type frequently or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Evergreen Cedar may be preferred by users looking for a robust typing experience, but without a quantified bottom out force, it's challenging to draw a complete comparison in that regard. Overall, the differences highlight that the Yunhai switch is the lighter option while the Everfree Cedar is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing the keys of either switch, as both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, whether you choose the Everfree or the Yunhai, you'll achieve the same results in terms of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is noted for delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that contributes to an engaging typing experience. This characteristic may resonate well with users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch features a deep, rounded sound profile, which offers a more subdued auditory experience that can be appealing for those who prefer a gentler sound when typing. Both switches, however, will have their sound characterized by other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that users might achieve similar sound results with careful selection in those areas.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is renowned for its smooth and reliable performance, which can translate to a comfortable typing experience and a sense of consistency during use. Conversely, the Yunhai switch boasts an incredibly light actuation force, making it particularly suitable for typists who favor a light and effortless touch. This results in a unique typing experience that can be appealing to those who prioritize minimal resistance during their keystrokes. Though both switches offer different feel characteristics, they can both provide a pleasant typing experience depending on the preferences of the user.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing experiences. The Everfree switch excels with its poppy sound and smooth feel, making it a great choice for users who seek engaging feedback, while the Yunhai caters to those who prefer a softer sound and light actuation. Users can select between these two based on their preferences for auditory feedback and keystroke resistance, knowing that both will deliver a quality typing experience. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as each switch caters to distinct types of typists.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a smooth and reliable typing experience with a better cost-to-performance ratio, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the way to go. Its satisfying, poppy sound profile and dependable performance make it an excellent choice for both casual and more intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally light actuation force that allows for effortless typing and a unique, deep-rounded sound profile, the TTC Yunhai switch would be your best bet. The Yunhai's lighter touch can enhance speed and comfort, especially for those who type for extended periods or prefer a softer key feel. Therefore, your choice hinges on whether you value the combination of reliability and cost from the Everfree Cedar or the gentle and responsive typing experience offered by the Yunhai.
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