HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing various options, particularly when comparing models like the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lightweight design and distinct clacky sound profile, offering a bright typing experience that many typists enjoy, while also providing a silky smooth feel. This switch is particularly suited for those who prioritize a responsive touch with an auditory element to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar emphasizes a smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice for users who appreciate solid functionality without breaking the bank. Known for its satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is ideal for those who prefer a quieter yet still engaging typing experience. 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
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
3.90 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
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 Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, a clear distinction arises between their respective top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound than harder materials, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate contributes to this clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who value a more vibrant auditory experience, especially in setups that incorporate RGB lighting.
However, the bottom housings of both switches share similarities that significantly influence their overall performance. Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a comparable sound profile. This shared material ensures that both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound experience when bottoming out, as nylon's sound-absorbing qualities are predominant in this part of the switch. Consequently, despite the differences noted in their top housings, users can expect similar auditory outcomes when engaging the switches due to the nylon bottom housing's characteristics.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings further highlights how the distinct materials contribute to the overall feel and sound profile of each switch. Since the top housing largely influences the sound when releasing a key, and the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, the combined effects of these materials dictate the overall user experience. As a result, while the Cloud - 50g offers a more subdued auditory experience due to its nylon top, the Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a crisper sound profile, yet both switches maintain a qualitative similarity in bottoming out due to their shared nylon material in the bottom housing. Users seeking deep and full sounds will appreciate the nylon's consistent presence, regardless of the discrepancies in their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Cloud switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to engage the keystroke. In contrast, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the HMX Cloud's bottom out force is 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is unknown. This means that while the actuation feels lighter on the HMX Cloud, the user experience may vary significantly with the Gateron switch due to the lack of information on its bottoming out force. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch for ease of use, the HMX Cloud is the better option, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar will cater to those who favor a firmer key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch in terms of travel distance, the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper press, which may be more satisfying for users who prefer a hearty feel when typing. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar’s shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more rapid key presses. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a more responsive experience, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is the superior choice, while those who appreciate a greater depth in key travel may favor the HMX Cloud - 50g.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
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 Cloud - 50g switch presents a clacky sound profile that many typists find engaging and lively, contributing to a bright typing atmosphere. This quality is particularly favored by those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the user experience without being overly noisy. Both switches provide clear auditory feedback; however, the Cloud - 50g leans more toward a crisp and clacky sound, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar maintains a more subdued, yet still enjoyable audio character. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, plate material, and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is recognized for its silky smooth operation, allowing for effortless keystrokes that enhance typing speed and comfort. Users can expect a consistent and fluid experience that minimizes tactile disturbance during use. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch also promises smooth and reliable performance, benefitting from Gateron's expertise in switch design. While both switches aim for a pleasant typing feel, the silky texture of the Cloud - 50g may offer a slight edge in terms of comfort for those who prioritize a refined touch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience. The Cloud - 50g is better suited for those who prefer a clacky sound with a silky smooth feel, creating an engaging environment for typing. Meanwhile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar appeals to users seeking a quiet yet poppy auditory feedback, paired with dependable smoothness. While each switch has its unique qualities, they both deliver enjoyable performance, making them excellent choices for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, the decision between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself leaning towards a lighter switch that offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly appealing for those who want a bright and lively typing experience that adds a touch of auditory feedback to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth, reliable performance without the need for a specific sound signature, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch may be more suited to your needs. This switch offers a satisfying and poppy sound profile that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction, especially if you're looking for a cost-effective option that maintains quality. Ultimately, consider how important factors like actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback are to your daily usage. By reflecting on your typing habits and preferences, you'll be able to make a more informed decision between these two switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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