Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile feedback of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the smooth operation of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their unique clacky sound profile and a sharp, polished tactility that enhances typing precision and provides an engaging auditory experience, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer a linear experience characterized by their smooth and reliable performance, coupled with a satisfying poppy sound, appealing to users who prefer seamless keystrokes without any tactile interruption. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, making the Bamboo Green ideal for tactile lovers and the Everfree Cedar perfect for those who value a fluid typing 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, key differences emerge in the characteristics of their compositions, which influence sound and tactile response during use. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither overly crisp nor dull. This versatility makes it suitable for users who prefer a balanced and moderate acoustic experience. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The sturdiness of polycarbonate enhances its auditory clarity, making it a popular choice, especially when RGB lighting is involved, due to its translucent nature.
Examining their bottom housings reveals further disparities in material choice and the resulting acoustic properties. The Bamboo Green's bottom housing also features PBT, contributing to a sound profile that maintains consistency with its top housing—producing a neutral sound that adheres to the overall balanced feel of the switch. Conversely, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's nylon bottom housing introduces a classic material known for its ability to create deeper, fuller sound characteristics. The inherent softness of nylon means it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. As such, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, making it a critical element for users prioritizing a specific acoustic quality.
In terms of overall performance, these differing materials mean that the Bamboo Green and the Everfree (EF) Cedar will deliver distinct experiences. Because the qualities of each material balance the switch's response, typists might find that the Bamboo Green’s consistent, neutral outputs create a stable environment for long typing sessions, while the sharper sound profile of the Everfree (EF) Cedar might appeal to those seeking a more vibrant and distinctive auditory feedback. Whether users prefer the restrained qualities of PBT or the pronounced sound of polycarbonate and nylon, both switches can yield satisfactory results with varying preferences for tactile and auditory experiences—demonstrating how material choices shape one's typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, making it a heavier choice that some might prefer for a more substantial typing feel. As for the bottom out forces, the Bamboo Green also exhibits a defined bottom out force of 62 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is unavailable, leaving us without a comparison for that metric. Users who appreciate a medium-weight switch with some resistance might gravitate towards the Bamboo Green, while those looking for a firmer push might lean towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, the Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everfree Cedar offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green provides a more substantial depth during key presses, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a feeling of resistance and a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you favor the depth and a more tactile experience, the Bamboo Green is the better option, while the Everfree Cedar is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
The sound produced by the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a distinct clacky quality marked by its high-pitched resonance. This sound signature gives the switch a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that's often favored by typists who enjoy a more lively and pronounced keystroke experience. The resonant quality enhances this feeling by providing an immersive auditory backdrop as you type, making every key press feel engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by its smoother, poppy sound profile. While it does deliver a satisfying acoustic feedback, it is likely to be less sharp and resonant than the Bamboo Green, which may appeal to those who prefer a quieter operation without the pronounced click or clack found in tactile switches.
When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green switch offers a multifaceted tactile experience. The stepped design allows for a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, providing a clear signal when a key has been registered. This tactile feedback is further enhanced by a sharp and polished finish, ensuring each key press is both pronounced and smooth. The combination of accented tactility makes the Bamboo Green versatile for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar’s linear design lacks a tactile bump, resulting in a smoother key travel throughout the press without any distinct interruptions. This smoothness can be appealing for users who prefer a continuous and uninterrupted typing experience, often favored in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In conclusion, choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar largely comes down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky, resonant auditory experience paired with a sharp tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar offers a smooth, poppy sound with a linear feel that some users might prefer for a quieter and uninterrupted typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will deliver quality performance, but they cater to different styles of typing and auditory preferences, allowing users to select based on what they find most comfortable and enjoyable.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage context. If you enjoy a more tactile, engaging experience with an audible feedback, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice—its medium actuation force, clacky sound profile, and pronounced tactile bump provide a satisfying sensation that makes typing feel dynamic and lively. This switch is particularly suitable for those who prefer typing for long periods and appreciate a sensory connection to their keystrokes. On the other hand, if smoothness and a quiet typing experience are paramount for you, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is a great option, delivering a reliable linear feel that minimizes distractions, making it ideal for gaming or office environments where noise is a consideration. Its cost-effectiveness and smooth movement will appeal to those who value both performance and budget. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your preferences for sound, feel, and application to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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