Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Ginger Milk offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a cost-effective choice for those seeking a satisfying and poppy sound profile, thanks to Gateron's trusted proprietary mold. This makes it an excellent option for gamers and typists looking for a responsive and enjoyable keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch stands out with its unique soft and pastel character, delivering a silky smooth push feel complemented by a muted, snappy sound profile that caters to users who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback. While both switches share the linear feel that many users enjoy, their differing characteristics can make one more appealing than the other based on personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly impacts their acoustic properties. As a stiff plastic, polycarbonate fosters a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic enables the switches to provide a clear and resonant auditory experience, appealing to users who appreciate a defined sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top makes it particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating visually appealing effects. Since both switches share this material in their top housing, users can expect similar auditory experiences and aesthetic effects with each.
In contrast, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Jwick Ginger Milk switches employ nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material introduces a different sound profile—one that is deeper and fuller due to nylon's softer nature. Unlike the polycarbonate top, which resonates more pronouncedly, nylon absorbs sound, making for a duller and rounder auditory presentation. The combination of the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom in both switches produces a balanced typing experience: sharper sounds during key release and a more muted response upon bottoming out. Consequently, the integration of these materials results in a distinct synergy that influences the overall feel and sound profile of each switch.
Ultimately, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Jwick Ginger Milk switches share the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, the characteristics of these materials contribute differently to the typing experience. The shared polycarbonate top ensures a bright and resonant sound, ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback, while the nylon bottom adds a warmth and depth, softening the impact when keys are pressed fully. Together, these materials enhance the user experience by merging clarity and fullness, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a unique typing sensation that is consistent across both switches. Thus, regardless of which switch one chooses, they can anticipate similar auditory qualities from the top and a distinctive sonorous depth from the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Ginger Milk is lighter at 50 grams. This makes the Ginger Milk more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming. In terms of bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar does not have a specified value, rendering a direct comparison impossible. However, the Ginger Milk's bottom out force is 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference suggests that while both switches might feel similar during normal typing, the Ginger Milk offers a more pronounced feedback when bottoming out. Consequently, users who prefer a heavier switch may lean towards the Ginger Milk, whereas those seeking a lighter option might favor the Everfree Cedar, particularly due to its undisclosed bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the Everfree Cedar's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as the shorter distance can enhance responsiveness. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk's longer travel distance might provide a more pronounced feel and depth, which some users prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, if you're seeking a switch that prioritizes rapid actuation, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, while the Ginger Milk caters to those who appreciate a bit more travel before bottoming out.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy tone that can add a lively atmosphere to typing sessions. It's designed to deliver a resonant experience that's appreciated for its clarity and crispness. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a more muted and snappy sound, which creates a less pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Everfree EF Cedar. The Ginger Milk’s sound signature is described as neutral, making it versatile for various environments, whether you’re at home or in an office. While both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the differing sound profiles can complement a wide range of typing styles.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is known for its smooth and reliable performance, perfect for those who value consistency in keystrokes. In comparison, the Jwick Ginger Milk boasts an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke that feels fluid under the fingers. This emphasis on a uniform sensation highlights a distinction in tactile feedback, with the Ginger Milk switch catering to those who prefer a particularly soft and approachable push feel. While both targets smoothness, the Cedar has a more reliable push whereas the Ginger Milk's feel focuses on an effortless glide.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by its poppy sound and smooth reliability, making it an engaging option for typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch presents a muted audio experience coupled with a buttery smooth feel that emphasizes a more airy typing style. While both switches lend themselves to a satisfying typing experience, the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you value clarity and responsiveness, the EF Cedar is the way to go, while those seeking a softer, more fluid experience may find the Ginger Milk to be more appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that ensures smooth, reliable performance with a satisfying poppy sound, the Everfree Cedar may be your best choice. Its impressive reliability might appeal to those who want a dependable switch for long hours of typing or gaming without the need for excessive force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force paired with a silky-smooth keystroke and a muted, snappy sound profile, the Ginger Milk switches would likely suit you better. These are perfect for users who enjoy a buttery transition between keystrokes, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience while still being versatile for home or office use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal comfort and the specific application you have in mind, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard feels just right for you.
Mentioned in this article
