HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese 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 decision often hinges on personal typing preferences and the desired acoustic experience. The HMX Cheese switches stand out for their unparalleled smoothness and incredibly lightweight feel, making them a blissful choice for those who enjoy a more effortless typing experience. With their distinct clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, they cater to enthusiasts seeking both auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer a smooth and reliable performance, positioned as a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Utilizing Gateron's trusted mold, the Everfree Cedar delivers a pleasingly poppy sound profile that fans of linear switches often appreciate. While both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, they cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, one notable distinction lies in the material compositions of their top housings. The HMX Cheese features a nylon top housing, which is known for its sound-absorbing properties that create a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic contributes to a more muted keystroke experience, making the overall typing sound rounder and less piercing. Conversely, the Everfree (EF) Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a contrasting auditory profile characterized by a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, making it a preferred choice for users who appreciate a more vocal typing experience, particularly in setups where RGB lighting is desired due to its clear aesthetics.
Interestingly, while the top housing materials diverge significantly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality results in similar acoustic characteristics, as the nylon material in both models contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile during keystrokes. The impact of the bottom housing, being more influential in the bottom-out sound and feel, ensures that both the Cheese and the EF Cedar still exhibit a degree of cohesion in the overall auditory experience. Consequently, even with the differing top materials, the shared nylon bottom housing mediates the sound profile in a way that leads to a somewhat unified typing experience.
Finally, it is essential to consider how the different top materials influence the overall characteristics of each switch. The textured listening experience may change based on which housing is pushed down on when a key is pressed. For the HMX Cheese, the softer nylon top leads to a muted, rounded sound when releasing keys, while the sharper polycarbonate top of the Everfree (EF) Cedar allows for a more pronounced release sound. Therefore, the individual qualities of each top housing create unique sound profiles when combined with their identical bottom housing materials, offering users an array of options based on their auditory preferences and tactile experiences during typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there is a notable difference in the actuation force, which reflects their intended user experience. The Cheese switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Cheese switch is measured at 46 grams, indicating a soft landing when fully depressed, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it compares to the Cheese in that aspect. Overall, those looking for a lighter, more effortless keystroke would gravitate towards the HMX Cheese, while those desiring a stronger push would opt for the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, it's evident that the two switches offer slightly differing experiences. The Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter of the two, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, thus offering a slightly greater depth. This 0.1 mm difference may influence key feel and responsiveness; gamers often favor the shorter travel distance for quicker actuation, while users who prefer a more robust typing experience might lean toward the longer travel distance of the Cedar. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a uniquely satisfying auditory experience characterized by a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This distinctive sound profile enhances the overall typing experience and is likely to appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during their use. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch also promotes a poppy sound profile, which indicates that while there may be similarities, the richness of the Cheese's sound likely stands out more. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can greatly depend on the keyboard construction, plate material, and keycap choice used alongside the switch, which means the real-world experience may vary.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cheese switches are known for their exceptional smoothness, which can provide users with a pristine and enjoyable typing sensation. This ultra-light switch, being lighter than 90% of all switches, makes it especially appealing for those who prefer a less forceful actuation while typing or gaming. The Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, while also delivering smooth and reliable performance, may not reach the same level of ultra-light feel as the Cheese. Yet, it offers a consistent typing experience that is comfortable over long periods, making it a solid choice for those looking for dependable performance at a more budget-friendly price.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches present compelling options for anyone looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. The Cheese excels in sound and offers an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Everfree Cedar delivers reliable performance with a satisfying sound profile at an economical price point. While they both offer noteworthy attributes, the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences, particularly in terms of sound and weight, as each switch caters to different users' needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch really hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you favor a light switch with an exceptionally smooth feel and a satisfying sound, the Cheese will likely appeal to you. Its ultra-light 46-gram bottom out force combined with a clacky, poppy sound signature creates an engaging and enjoyable typing experience that is particularly suited for those who appreciate a more lively auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, if you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective linear switch that still offers smoothness and decent sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is a solid choice. While the exact bottom out force remains unknown, it is designed to provide dependable performance with a poppy sound profile that might cater to your needs in a more budget-friendly manner. Ultimately, consider how much you value the tactile feedback and sound in your typing experience, as this will help guide you toward the switch that best complements your preferences.
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