Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Grayish present distinct yet appealing options tailored to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile while being a cost-effective choice. This makes it ideal for gamers and typists who value swift, uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback distractions. In contrast, the Everfree Grayish boasts a tactile feel, characterized by its medium weight and neutral sound signature, making it a stellar choice for those who appreciate a perceptible bump during key presses. This switch caters well to both casual and serious typists who favor a more engaging typing experience without excessive noise. Each switch brings unique strengths to the table, enticing users based on their individual preferences for sound, feedback, and overall 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
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish share a similar construction in their top housing, both utilizing polycarbonate material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for each switch, attributable to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Because both switches have this translucent material, they excel in RGB lighting applications, allowing for vivid illumination and aesthetic appeal. This consistency in top housing materials ensures that both models deliver a striking visual experience alongside their performance characteristics, promising similarly resonant sound experiences.
Contrarily, the bottom housing of each switch diverges, with both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and EverFree (EF) Grayish featuring nylon. Nylon's properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is softer and more sound-absorbent, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. Since both models utilize nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and dampened sound when pressing the keys. This shared material choice helps to create a cohesive sound profile from bottom to top, merging the crispness of polycarbonate above with the warmth of nylon below.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish ensures that users experience nuanced sound dynamics. While the top housing yields a bright, resonant tone upon key release, the bottom housing offers a solid grounding with its fuller sound upon bottoming out. The complimentary nature of these materials across both models indicates that while users may have preferences for each switch based on aesthetics or minor tactile differences, overall auditory performance will exhibit quite similar results, allowing for a satisfying typing experience across the Gateron Everfree line.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch exhibit some differences in their actuation forces. The Cedar switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Grayish switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Both switches do not have a specified bottom out force, meaning we can't make a comparison in that regard. Despite this, the Cedar remains the preferred choice for those seeking a lighter typing experience, while the Grayish would suit users desiring a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, a distinct difference emerges between the two options. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Grayish has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Cedar switch offers a more pronounced travel experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Grayish switch could be ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. In this scenario, the Cedar switch stands out as the longer option, whereas the Grayish switch is the shorter alternative. Those who opt for the Cedar can expect a more substantial keypress, while the Grayish provides a snappier feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish 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) Grayish for $2.69.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is noted for its satisfying, poppy sound profile. This characteristic makes it an engaging option for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everfree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is defined by its neutral sound signature, which strikes a balance between being noticeable yet unobtrusive. This neutrality makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work, catering to both beginners and seasoned users without overwhelming noise.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, allowing for a fluid typing experience that emphasizes speed and ease of use without tactile feedback. Conversely, the Everfree (EF) Grayish tactile switch features a stepped feel, creating a distinct tactile response with two stages to the keystroke. This design allows users to experience a mild bump, enhancing feedback without the aggression of a hypertactile switch. Additionally, it is characterized as snappy, making the typing experience feel responsive and lively due to its optimized spring mechanism.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Grayish switches cater to different preferences, appealing to various types of users in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cedar switch delivers a more pronounced auditory experience with its poppy sound, while the Grayish offers a balanced and neutral noise profile alongside a tactile feedback that is both snappy and stepped. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences concerning sound and feel but provide a solid foundation for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, with the potential for a poppy sound profile that can add some auditory satisfaction to your typing, the Cedar linear switch would be an excellent choice. It's ideal for gaming or tasks requiring quick and fluid keystrokes without any bumps or interruptions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides tactile feedback to enhance your typing experience, the Grayish switch would be more suitable. Its medium weight and stepped, snappy characteristics can make for a more engaging typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a subtle tactile bump that lets you know when you've actuated a key. Additionally, the neutral sound profile of the Grayish is well-suited for both professional settings and casual use. As a newcomer, consider what you value more: the smooth simplicity of the Cedar or the responsive tactile sensation of the Grayish to make your best choice in the delightful world of mechanical keyboards.
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