Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer 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 switches, the Gateron Beer and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, stands out with its unique design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, featuring lightweight construction and a stepped tactility that provides a subtle yet satisfying feedback during each keystroke. With its characteristic clacky sound signature, this switch appeals to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, prioritizes smoothness and reliability, offering a cost-effective solution for users who appreciate straightforward functionality without tactile bumps. Its satisfying, poppy sound profile enhances the typing experience while maintaining a quiet presence. The choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preference—whether one favors the tactile responsiveness of the Beer or the effortless glide of the Cedar. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, we find that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes significantly to their acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This similarity in top housing material ensures that users can expect a clear and resonant sound when keys are released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate plays a crucial role in aesthetics, particularly for keyboards equipped with RGB lighting. This feature allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches under illuminated conditions.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The Gateron Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the same sonic qualities found in its top counterpart, promoting a consistent sound profile. This uniformity yields a more harmonious auditory experience, emphasizing clarity while typing. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar features a nylon bottom housing, which tends to absorb more sound due to its softer, more pliable nature. As a result, the sound produced by the switch bottom-out offers a deeper and fuller tone, contrasting with the crisper sounds produced by the Beer switch.
Ultimately, these differences in bottom housing materials lead to a diversified sound experience while typing. With the Gateron Beer, users can enjoy a uniformly crisp sound thanks to the consistent use of polycarbonate in both housing components. Meanwhile, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a blend of tightly controlled upper audio feedback from the polycarbonate top and a rich, rounded tone emanating from the nylon bottom. Consequently, users can choose between the two based on their preference for sound characteristics: one switch emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the other provides a fuller, more mellow auditory experience, demonstrating how the interplay of materials impacts the overall feel and sound during use.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offer differing experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who seek a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree switch is unknown, making a direct comparison of the bottom out feel impossible. Users who appreciate lighter switches might prefer the Gateron Beer, while those who favor a firmer push would likely gravitate toward the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Beer the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers and users who prefer a more responsive feel with potentially quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a longer travel distance, which could be more suitable for those who favor a deeper, more robust typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Beer provides a more rapid response due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Cedar allows for a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky audio profile. This means it produces a sharp, snappy sound with each keystroke, which can evoke a sense of satisfaction during typing. The crisp and bright sound offers an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is noted for a poppy sound profile, it lacks a detailed description that compares directly to the clacky resonance of the Beer switch. Therefore, users can anticipate a smoother, quieter experience with the Cedar switches, making them potentially less intrusive in shared environments.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches provide a lightweight and easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to actuate. This gentle resistance, combined with their stepped tactile nature, offers a mild yet distinct sensation that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. The stepped design allows for a noticeable transition in the key travel, resulting in a more nuanced tactile feedback. In contrast, the specific feel characteristics of the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch are not mentioned, leaving an uncertainty in how they compare regarding typing experience. Generally, linear switches like the Cedar are known for a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump present in tactile options like the Beer switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound and lightweight, stepped tactility, making it a vibrant choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback and nuanced tactile sensations. Meanwhile, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch emphasizes a smooth and potentially quieter typing experience, the lack of information regarding its specific tactile characteristics leaves an open question about comparison. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; if sound and tactile feedback are more important, the Beer might be the way to go, while those seeking a smoother and possibly quieter option might lean towards the Cedar.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, your specific typing needs and preferences will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a lighter, more tactile experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Beer switch is an excellent choice, particularly for those who type frequently or play games and appreciate a responsive feel with minimal effort. With its unique stepped tactility, the Beer can enhance your typing experience without causing finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who favor a blend of comfort and feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear feel without the tactile bump, the Everfree Cedar switch may be more suited to you. Though its bottom-out force is unspecified, the smooth and reliable performance of these switches makes them perfect for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience without any distraction from noise or tactility. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you crave the delightful feedback and sound from the Beers or the seamless operation offered by the Everfree Cedars.
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