Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinct benefits tailored to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz, renowned for its silent design, is ideal for quiet spaces such as offices, where noise reduction is paramount. Its medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, making it a great option for those who appreciate a pronounced typing experience without excessive sound. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar switch leans towards a smoother typing experience with linear characteristics, offering consistent actuation without tactile bumps. As a budget-friendly choice under Gateron's sub-brand, its satisfying poppy sound profile adds a playful element to the typing experience. While the Aliaz caters to users seeking a quieter environment with tactile feedback, the Everfree Cedar appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the acoustic characteristics, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a more resonant sound with less absorption. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who wish to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for effective light diffusion, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. In terms of sound and aesthetic, users of both the Aliaz and Everfree switches can expect comparable results due to their similar top housing materials.
However, the differences in the bottom housing materials create a contrasting auditory experience between the two switches. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of a sharper and more resonant sound profile throughout the entire switch. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a nylon bottom housing, known for its inherently softer properties that absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, shifting the overall acoustics of the switch. When typing, users will experience the distinct sound characteristics, with the Aliaz maintaining a crisper sound when bottoming out, while the Everfree’s nylon bottom promotes a more muted, rounder acoustic effect.
Ultimately, the combination of materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch. While both the Gateron Aliaz and Everfree Cedar switches share polycarbonate as the top housing for a bright, resonant sound, their different bottom housing materials lead to contrasting auditory outcomes. Users may prefer the more pronounced sound of the Aliaz or the deeper, more subdued sound of the Everfree, depending on their typing style and personal preference. The differential impact of the top and bottom housing materials emphasizes how the Aliaz can retain a pronounced clarity while the Everfree’s nylon bottom brings in a softer auditory feedback, illustrating how important housing materials are in customizing the tactile and aural experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Aliaz features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, indicating it provides a heavier push that some users might find satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison regarding the complete pressing experience it offers. Overall, while the Aliaz is the heavier option with a pronounced tactile feedback suitable for users who enjoy a more forceful keystroke, the Everfree presents a lighter alternative that may appeal to those seeking comfort during prolonged usage.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aliaz measuring 4 mm and the Everfree (EF) Cedar at 3.6 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer travel option, providing a deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree (EF) Cedar may be more suitable for gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances generally allow for faster key actuation. Thus, the choice between these switches ultimately revolves around personal preference: if you enjoy a hearty depth in your typing experience, the Aliaz is ideal, whereas if rapid responsiveness is your priority, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Aliaz tactile switches are designed to be particularly muted, making them ideal for quiet environments such as offices. They produce a softer, less intrusive sound than many traditional mechanical switches, which minimizes the typical clacky noise associated with them. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches are known for delivering a more satisfying and poppy sound profile. While they might not be as subdued as the Aliaz, the sound quality of the Cedar switches is also pleasant and more in line with a typical linear switch, providing a different auditory experience. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Everfree Cedar switches can vary based on the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches excel with their silky and polished characteristics. Users can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, as well as a refined finish that reduces friction during key travel. This makes each keystroke enjoyable and effortless, enhancing typing productivity and comfort. The Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches, while not extensively described in this aspect, are generally known for their smoothness, which is a hallmark of linear switches. Thus, if you're familiar with the feel of other linear switches, you might anticipate a similarly smooth experience with the Cedar switches, albeit without the tactile feedback of the Aliaz.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is perfect for those who prioritize a muted sound and a lush tactile feel in quieter settings, while the Everfree Cedar appeals to users looking for a satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth linear typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value sound dampening and tactile feedback or prefer the smoothness and poppy sound of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself working in a quiet office or shared space where minimizing noise is crucial, the Aliaz switches are your go-to option. Their medium-heavy weight and muted sound profile provide a satisfying tactile response without disturbing those around you. Moreover, their silky and polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, making them ideal for heavy use throughout the day. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and enjoy a linear switch experience, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is a great choice, especially if you're looking for a cost-effective, reliable option that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. Its design allows for effortless key presses, making it well-suited for both gaming and typing in a more relaxed setting. Ultimately, consider your environment and preferences in typing feedback when making your choice between these two excellent Gateron switches.
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