Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar both present exciting options within the realm of linear switches, each with its own distinct characteristics. The Gateron CJ is celebrated for its unique auditory profile, offering a higher-pitched clack paired with an exceptionally smooth feel, earning descriptors like "chirpy" and "thocky." This makes the CJ an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar shines as a cost-effective solution that ensures reliable performance with a satisfying poppy sound, making it an excellent choice for users looking for dependability without sacrificing quality. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their differing sound profiles and user experiences highlight the variety available in mechanical keyboard options. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Gateron CJ and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend that is characterized by its pointed, high-pitched sound profile which can be described as clacky. This sound profile results from the specific formulation of the INK blend, promoting a satisfying audio feedback when typing. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the inherent stiffness of the material. Notably, both materials contribute to a pronounced auditory experience, albeit through different mechanical compositions, resulting in a similar auditory realm in terms of visibility for users who appreciate heightened sound clarity.
The differences extend to the bottom housing materials of the two switches as well. The CJ switch employs a POM bottom housing, which generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This deeper resonance adds a layer of richness to the typing experience, as POM is renowned for its capability to produce a distinctively pleasing sound. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is softer compared to POM, which allows it to absorb more sound, creating a fuller but relatively duller sound profile. This difference reflects a fundamental shift in auditory experience, wherein users can expect a muted thump from the CJ and a deeper but softer feedback from the Everfree Cedar.
While the top and bottom housings of the CJ and Everfree Cedar differ in composition and sound profile, it's essential to recognize how each housing type impacts the overall typing experience. The top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, making the high-pitched intricacies of the CJ particularly noticeable during usage. Conversely, the nylon bottom of the Everfree Cedar softens the auditory output, making it feel fuller but less pronounced with every keystroke. Ultimately, while clear distinctions exist in terms of material choices, both switches are designed to deliver a unique sound experience that can appeal to different typing preferences, thus ensuring a satisfying tactile and auditory response with each keypress.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch with the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The CJ switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the EF Cedar has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting it requires a bit more effort to register a keypress. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree switch is unavailable, which means we can't determine how it compares when the key is fully pressed down. This lack of bottom out force information leaves a gap in understanding the full tactile experience of the EF Cedar. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the CJ with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the EF Cedar caters to users who enjoy a heavier key feel with its slightly higher actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance illustrates a preference for deeper keystrokes with the CJ switch, appealing to those who favor a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and typists seeking faster response times, often appreciating the quick actuation that comes with a reduced travel. Ultimately, those who prefer a more responsive experience might opt for the Cedar switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the CJ. Therefore, depending on your typing preferences, you can choose the switch that best aligns with your needs for responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch, the CJ is notably characterized by its higher-pitched clacks that contribute to a unique and enjoyable typing experience. This switch also features a chirpy quality, providing a pleasant, albeit slightly squeaky auditory sensation. Along with this, it combines elements of low-pitched and thocky sounds, offering a deeper, richer tone that adds depth to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar emphasizes a satisfying and poppy sound profile, though specific descriptors for its sound quality are less detailed. The choice of keyboard and keycaps will ultimately influence sound perception, but with the CJ, users can expect a broader spectrum of auditory characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch is distinguished by its impossibly smooth push, coupled with a mild response that offers a gentle typing experience. This mild characteristic allows the switch to cater to a wide range of users, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The Everfree (EF) Cedar's feel is not elaborated upon, leaving its specific tactile response unknown. However, given that both switches are designed for smooth performance, users can expect a level of reliability and comfort from the Everfree, similar to what the CJ provides.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch present appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, but they embody different auditory and tactile experiences. The CJ excels in its unique sound profile, with chirpy and thocky qualities, paired with an exceptionally smooth feel that makes it accessible to various types of users. The Everfree, while more cost-effective and less defined in sound and feel, still promises reliability and a satisfying poppy sound. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable experiences; however, the CJ provides a richer vocabulary of sound and feel that may appeal more to those seeking a distinctive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that provides a unique experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the CJ is an excellent choice. Its chirpy sound profile, combined with a smooth push feel, makes it suitable for both work and casual usage, giving you that satisfying feedback without being overly harsh. This makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a blend of auditory and tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, if you're seeking cost-effectiveness with reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar switch would be more suitable, especially if you're leaning towards a more budget-friendly option. While it lacks detailed specifications about its bottom-out force, its reputation for poppy sound and smooth reliability makes it a solid choice for everyday tasks and gaming alike, especially if you prefer a straightforward typing experience without extra frills. Ultimately, your choice should align with either the unique sound and feel of the CJ or the dependable performance of the Everfree Cedar, depending on your priorities in a switch.
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