Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinct experiences for enthusiasts. The Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is lauded for its balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value a harmonious typing experience without distracting noise. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar boasts a design that not only emphasizes smooth and reliable performance but also delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, appealing to users seeking a more tactile and lively feedback. Both switches are linear, allowing for a seamless keystroke with minimal resistance, yet their unique acoustic characteristics make them suited to different preferences. The Briny excels in creating a refined auditory environment, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out as a polished, cost-effective option. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches exhibit notable differences in their top housings, which significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Briny features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contributes to a typing experience that is both muted and rounded, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Conversely, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clear translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, catering to users who value aesthetics along with performance. The contrast between nylon's dampening qualities and polycarbonate’s resonance underscores the distinctive auditory experiences offered by each housing material.
In contrast to the variances in their top housing materials, both the Briny and the Everfree (EF) Cedar share the same nylon composition for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, fostering a tactile sensation that feels consistent despite the differing top housings. The nylon bottom housing inherits the same acoustic absorption characteristics, ensuring that the experience of pressing down on the key remains similar across both switches. Consequently, while the top housing distinctly shapes the sound when releasing a key, the unified bottom housing provides a reliable and agreeable follow-through in terms of sound and feel.
As a result of the contrasting top housing materials and similar bottom housings, users can expect a distinctive typing experience influenced by the unique properties of each material. While the nylon top of the Briny fosters a deeper auditory experience, the polycarbonate top of the Everfree (EF) Cedar sharpens that effect, creating a vivid sound when a key is released. Ultimately, the combination of nylon in both bottom housings guarantees a similar tactile feedback and bottom-out sound for both switches, suggesting that users who appreciate a deep sound profile during typing will find satisfaction in either choice. Whether one values the muted tone of the Briny or the sharp clarity of the Everfree (EF) Cedar, both switches offer unique benefits shaped by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces and uncertainties regarding their bottom out forces. The Briny has a slightly lighter actuation force at 50 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and extended gaming, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar requires a somewhat heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which provides a firmer resistance and might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, while the Briny’s bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating that the Briny generally has a more defined stop when fully pressed. If both switches had comparable bottom out forces, users might expect similar typing experiences, but the Briny is definitively lighter overall, allowing for more effortless keystrokes compared to the heavier feel of the Cedar switch.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. Since the travel distance is the same for both switches, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys, resulting in comparable typing experiences in terms of depth and responsiveness. This equality in travel distance allows for consistency in performance, ensuring that transitioning between the two switches will not affect the typing dynamics significantly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This construction allows for a consistent auditory experience that doesn’t lean too heavily towards being too muted or overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which is derived from Gateron's trusted proprietary mold. The contrasting sounds between the two switches suggest that while the Briny delivers a more neutral auditory experience, the Everfree Cedar may provide a lively and engaging sound that could appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback without being intrusive.
Regarding feel, the Briny is designed for a smooth typing experience, although specifics about its tactile response or other characteristics are not detailed. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, however, stands out with its snappy feel, which contributes to a responsive typing experience, often due to its longer or dual-staged springs. This design not only enhances the actuation feel but also helps the switches feel more alive and engaging during use. Additionally, the Everfree Cedar boasts a polished finish that leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in an overall refined typing sensation. This polished quality suggests a level of attention to detail in craftsmanship that can provide a satisfying tactile experience.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities, the Keygeek Briny provides a balanced sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more neutral auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch excels in delivering a more pronounced sound and a snappy, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy responsive and smooth performance. Depending on personal preferences, users may be drawn to one switch over the other for its particular sound and feel characteristics, with the key distinction lying in the auditory experience and tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you lean toward a balanced sound profile and prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Briny is an excellent option for you. It strikes a harmonious balance that can appeal to both gamers and typists alike, providing a pleasant typing experience without being overly taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smoother, more responsive feel with a snappy and polished experience, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be the better choice, especially if you're looking for a more cost-effective option that doesn't compromise on performance. The snappy response of the Cedar, combined with its satisfying poppy sound, makes it a lively switch ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. Depending on whether you prioritize a medium actuation force with a balanced sound or a more polished and speedy response with a reliable performance, you can confidently choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and gaming needs.
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