Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite both being linear switches. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between resistance and ease, while simultaneously reducing housing and stem wobble for an exceptional typing experience. Its unique in-switch lighting further enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree Cedar provides a cost-effective solution without compromising performance, known for its satisfying, poppy sound profile and reliability. While the Black Lotus appeals to those seeking a premium feel and advanced features, the Everfree Cedar is perfect for users looking for dependable performance without breaking the bank. 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
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, notable differences emerge in their top materials while their bottom housings share a common component. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-polyethylene (UPE), which is touted for providing a unique and premium feel to users. This modified PC and UPE blend contributes to the switch's overall tactile experience, enhancing not only its durability but also its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar employs a traditional polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness and resonance qualities. While both switches utilize polycarbonate to some degree, the inclusion of UPE in the Black Lotus presents a different tactile experience and sound dynamic compared to the straightforward polycarbonate of the Everfree Cedar.
The bottom housing for both the Black Lotus and the Everfree Cedar is constructed from nylon, a classic material widely favored in the mechanical keyboard community. The use of nylon in both cases leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer properties which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a more rounded auditory experience when typing on either switch. The shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes well with the distinct top materials, as it provides a consistent acoustic foundation that complements the unique sonic characteristics of their respective tops. Thus, while the Black Lotus may offer a more nuanced sound profile from its modified top housing, the underlying nylon base ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying depth to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Everfree Cedar mean that users will perceive distinct auditory and tactile experiences based on their configurations. The Black Lotus’s exclusive use of a modified PC and UPE blend results in a premium feel that sets it apart from the more standard polycarbonate top housing of the Everfree Cedar. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a muted and deeper sound characteristic. In practice, this means users can appreciate the lighter and crisper tonality offered by the Everfree Cedar while also benefiting from the richness and depth provided by the nylon material common to both designs. In essence, while the top housings create distinctly different sound profiles, the mutual use of nylon serves as a familiar foundation that ties their experiences together.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch have the same actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that both switches require a similar effort to trigger a keystroke, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the comparison diverges when it comes to the bottom out force; while the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Cedar's bottom out force is listed as unavailable. This means that the Black Lotus delivers a more definitive tactile response when fully pressed down, which might appeal to users looking for a heavier feel in their keyboard experience. In summary, both switches are equally light in terms of actuation force, but the Black Lotus is the heavier option overall owing to its defined bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, which features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. With the Black Lotus offering a more traditional distance, it caters to users who appreciate a deeper press beneath their fingers, providing a tactile experience that some may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's shorter travel distance is ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times, as it allows for quicker actuation with less key travel. Therefore, if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke, the Black Lotus is the better choice, while those favoring speed and efficiency may opt for the Everfree Cedar for its shorter travel distance and responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch remains largely undefined in existing descriptions, which leaves room for personal interpretation and individual experiences when used with various boards and keycaps. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch, on the other hand, is noted for its satisfying, poppy sound profile. This suggests that while the Black Lotus may have its own acoustic qualities that are yet to be fully characterized, the Everfree Cedar is likely to create a distinctive auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a richer auditory aspect in their mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch stands out with an impressive array of descriptors including silky, buttery, mild, and polished. This combination suggests an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes any resistance during key presses and releases, offering a seamless interaction that most users will find enjoyable. The Everfree (EF) Cedar switch, however, lacks detailed descriptors in this category, making it difficult to compare its tactile experience directly. In general, one might expect the Everfree Cedar to provide a solid and reliable feel, but it may not match the nuanced smoothness and refined touch that characterize the Black Lotus.
Bringing everything together, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a premium typing experience marked by exceptional smoothness and refined tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking precision and comfort. Conversely, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch provides a more economical option characterized by a poppy sound, ideal for those who value auditory feedback without the high-end features of pricier switches. Ultimately, while both options have their unique attributes, the Black Lotus excels in a multifaceted feel while the Everfree Cedar offers satisfying auditory appeal at a more accessible price point.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch will depend on your priorities for your typing experience. If you value a silky and polished feel, with a substantial actuation weight that balances feedback and comfort, then the Black Lotus is a compelling option. Its design minimizes housing and stem wobble, providing a precision typing experience that is fantastic for both typists and gamers alike. The removable light column also adds versatility for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics. On the other hand, if you are seeking a cost-effective solution that still offers smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. With its poppy sound profile and satisfying usability that relies on Gateron's trusted technology, this switch is perfect for someone who wants a solid experience without breaking the bank. Ultimately, if you prefer a more premium touch with refined performance, opt for the Black Lotus; if you prioritize value and reliability, go for the Everfree Cedar. Your typing habits and budget will guide your decision to ensure that you enjoy a mechanical keyboard that suits your preferences perfectly.
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