Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver are two compelling options, each with its own strengths. The Everfree Cedar switches are recognized for their smooth and reliable performance, providing a satisfying and poppy sound profile at a budget-friendly price point, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and durability. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are designed with gamers in mind, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm for lightning-fast responsiveness, which can give players a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, with vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch sound, these switches create an immersive atmosphere for any setup. Both switches provide great value, but they cater to different needs—whether you're looking for a dependable typing experience or a high-performance gaming switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, one can observe that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which greatly influences their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material, noted for its stiffness, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This consistency in the top housing material means that users can expect similar acoustic results from both switches when it comes to the sound produced during gameplay or typing. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate top jives well with RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal in setups that prioritize visual effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of these switches presents a contrast, as both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and G Pro 3.0 Silver employ nylon. Known for its softer properties, nylon dampens sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This results in a pronounced difference in sound quality when bottoming out the switches. The nylon housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder note that stands in stark contrast to the brightness produced by the polycarbonate top. Consequently, while the top housing creates a unified sound experience, the nylon bottom adds a layer of richness and depth that distinguishes the duo.
Overall, the synergistic combination of materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar achieves a high-pitched clarity due to its polycarbonate top, balanced by the warm, rounded tones from its nylon bottom. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Silver follows this formula, allowing it to maintain consistent sound quality. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the nuanced differences in sound produced during keypresses and releases are primarily rooted in their distinctive bottom housings, offering users a diverse range of auditory experiences to choose from.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Everfree Cedar to be more suitable due to its increased resistance, while those who enjoy a lighter touch would benefit from the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Regarding the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, a figure that is, unfortunately, unknown for the Everfree Cedar. Therefore, while the Cedar is heavier in terms of actuation, the G Pro 3.0 Silver remains the lighter option overall, especially since it offers a measurable bottom out force. Typists looking for a lighter switch for extended use may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver, whereas those desiring more resistance may lean toward the Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, one can observe that the Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a more substantial feel when pressed, making it a favorable option for users who prefer a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quicker response times and more rapid keystrokes. Thus, the Cedar switch can be described as the longer of the two, while the Silver switch is the shorter option. Overall, if you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver for its brevity, you will likely achieve quicker response times, but if you opt for the Everfree (EF) Cedar, you'll enjoy a more profound typing experience.
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 G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 switch is noted for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, which makes it a delightful choice for users who enjoy an audible response while typing. Meanwhile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches deliver a more versatile auditory experience, characterized by a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound. This rich sound profile can provide a deeper, more resonant key press, reminiscent of a satisfying thud or knock when keys are engaged. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—one for those who appreciate a poppy response and one for those who favor a deeper, richer sound—but the overall sound experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar does not have specific descriptors provided, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy, indicating a smooth and seamless keystroke experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Users can expect a silky sensation while typing, indicative of the thoughtful design that enhances the overall feel. The creamy nature of the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches may derive from factory lubrication or the materials used in their composition, resulting in a very satisfying typing experience compared to the less-defined qualities of the Everfree Cedar.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its satisfying and poppy sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver impresses with its deeper thocky tones and smooth feel. The lack of specific descriptors for the Cedar switch leaves a gap in its tactile assessment, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver distinguishes itself with its buttery and creamy keystroke. Ultimately, the ideal choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or the smoothness of the typing experience, but both options provide reliable performances that are budget-friendly.
Conclusion
To conclude, when evaluating whether to choose the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, your intended use and preferences play a significant role. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent cost-effective choice, offering a great balance of performance and auditory pleasure, especially for casual use or typing tasks. On the other hand, if you’re an avid gamer seeking exceptional responsiveness and competitive edge, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be more suitable. Their shorter travel distance facilitates rapid key presses, while the rich and bassy sound profile adds to the immersive gaming experience. It essentially comes down to whether you’re looking for a well-rounded, enjoyable typing switch or a high-performance switch tailored for gaming, as each has its distinctive advantages designed to enhance different aspects of the keyboard experience.
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