HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar each offer unique experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Blue Topaz is renowned for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, allowing for effortless keystrokes that enhance typing speed. Accompanied by a visually striking glittery housing and a clacky sound signature, it appeals to those who appreciate both aesthetics and an auditory thrill with each tap. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar focuses on reliability and cost-effectiveness, delivering a satisfying poppy sound profile through Gateron's trusted manufacturing. While both switches are linear and offer smooth performance, the Blue Topaz excels in its sensory engagement, whereas the Everfree Cedar prioritizes dependable functionality at a more accessible price point. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar utilize similar housing materials for their top housings, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This commonality lends both switches a distinct auditory character, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for clear resonance, which is particularly advantageous when it comes to RGB lighting. Both switches leverage this translucence for aesthetic appeal, ensuring that when illuminated, the light effectively diffuses, enhancing the visual experience of their respective keyboards.
However, the bottom housings diverge in terms of material; both the Blue Topaz and the Everfree Cedar feature nylon for their bottom housings. The choice of nylon imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to each switch. This contrast between the softer nylon bottom and the stiffer polycarbonate top means that players can expect distinct auditory and tactile experiences when engaging with either switch. While the nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder, more muted bottom-out sound, the polycarbonate top complements this with a sharper release sound, creating a harmonious interplay between the two materials.
As a result, despite the differences in bottom housing material, users will find that both switches deliver a balanced sound profile owing to their complementary housing materials. On bottoming out, the nylon's softer characteristics help to create a satisfying, fuller feel—ideal for those who prefer a more subdued experience during intense gaming sessions. Conversely, upon releasing the key, the polycarbonate's sharpness provides an engaging tactile feedback. With these factors taken into account, the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Everfree Cedar provide users with a well-rounded performance, making either choice effective for diverse typing or gaming preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch with the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, the key distinction lies in their actuation forces. The Blue Topaz features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and enhancing comfort for users who prefer less resistance. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches have a bottom out force, but while the Blue Topaz bottom out force is 48 grams, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's bottom out force is unknown. This lack of information prevents a full comparison regarding bottom out experience. Nonetheless, the difference in actuation force suggests that the Blue Topaz will be more forgiving for long typing or gaming sessions, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar may provide a more deliberate keystroke sensation for users who prefer a firmer push. Overall, if users seek a lighter option, the Blue Topaz is the clear choice, while those preferring heavier feedback should consider the Everfree (EF) Cedar.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Blue Topaz featuring a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar showcases a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for users seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation. In contrast, the Blue Topaz with its longer 3.9 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to those who favor a deeper key press. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Blue Topaz is the longer option, and the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the shorter one, highlighting the distinct characteristics suitable for diverse user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by a pronounced clackiness, which produces a sharp and percussive sound with every keystroke. This crisp and bright auditory signature adds an engaging acoustic element to the typing experience, making it more satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a more subdued yet still enjoyable sound profile described as satisfying and poppy. While the latter may not reach the same high notes as the Blue Topaz, it maintains a pleasant auditory presence, providing an enthusiastic typing experience that aligns well with its cost-effective nature.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch excels with its easy-to-press design, allowing for smooth and reliable actuation that requires minimal force. This lightweight action minimizes finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions, making every keystroke feel effortless. On the other hand, there is not enough information to provide a specific characterization of the feel for the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches. However, given Gateron's reputation for comfort and reliability, it can be assumed that these switches also offer a satisfying typing experience, though the exact nuances remain unspecified.
In summary, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, offering a distinctive auditory and tactile experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch provides an economical alternative, delivering smooth performance with a poppy sound, though the details of its feel are less defined. Each switch caters to slightly different preferences, ensuring that users can find a satisfying option regardless of their particular auditory or tactile inclinations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a visually and audibly engaging typing experience, the Blue Topaz would be a fantastic option for you. Its lightweight actuation and clacky sound profile make it ideal for long typing sessions where ease and feedback are key. On the other hand, if you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution that still offers a satisfying typing feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar could be the better fit. While its sound profile is less pronounced compared to the Blue Topaz, it delivers a smooth performance that many users appreciate. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—be it auditory feedback, visual flair, or a budget-friendly option—before making your selection. By understanding these nuances, you can better tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your needs.
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