Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Glory Yellow both stand out as compelling options, though they reflect different aspects of linear switch design. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and smooth, reliable performance, providing a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the tactile experience without breaking the bank. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a polished typing experience that's both enjoyable and budget-friendly. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow is known for its heavier keystroke, which offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience thanks to its pleasing travel distance. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing or gaming, as it can lead to increased accuracy and deliberate keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences and can elevate one’s typing experience, but, 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron Glory Yellow switches diverge significantly in their top housing materials, which markedly influences the sound profile they produce. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This design choice not only contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound but also enhances the RGB lighting effects thanks to the clear material. Conversely, the Glory Yellow is equipped with a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the more resonant qualities of the polycarbonate material used in the Everfree Cedar.
While the top housings of these switches showcase different materials and characteristics, both the Gateron Everfree and Glory Yellow share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality introduces a layer of similarity in sound profiles, particularly in their bottom-out sound, which tends to have a rounder and softer quality due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The impact of the bottom housing's material is notable; both switches will deliver a more muted and warm sound during actuation, largely owing to the nylon's inherent qualities. Therefore, even though the overall auditory experience will differ due to their top housings, both switches will produce a softer auditory feedback thanks to their shared nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the key distinction lies in how these housing materials contribute to the switch's overall performance and sound. The Everfree Cedar’s polycarbonate top provides clarity and a sharp note upon release, ideal for users who prefer an articulate sound when typing. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's nylon top offers a more subdued sound experience, emphasizing a warmer typing feel. Thus, while both switches can achieve a pleasing deep sound due to their nylon bottoms, the differing top housing materials lead to varied auditory and tactile experiences. Users looking for a crisp, resonant sound may gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, while those prioritizing a mellower experience may choose the Glory Yellow, showcasing how different materials can lead to distinct yet complementary typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Glory Yellow features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This distinction is crucial for users who favor different typing experiences; typists seeking a lighter touch might prefer the Glory Yellow for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel may lean towards the Everfree Cedar. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, leaving an aspect of their tactile feedback undisclosed. However, based on the known actuation forces, the Everfree Cedar requires a bit more push, thus catering to users who prefer a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see a clear difference: the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glory Yellow measures 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer faster response times typical in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users appreciate for a more hearty feel while typing. If a user favors a quicker action, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy deeper keystrokes might lean towards the Glory Yellow.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which adds a distinct auditory element to the typing experience. This sound is produced by the design and materials used in the switch, where the pop can resonate pleasantly without being overly noisy. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch's sound profile has not been specified, but it's important to note that the overall acoustic experience can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps. Therefore, both switches may deliver unique sound characteristics, but the Everfree Cedar clearly stands out for its specifically described poppiness.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch excels with two primary qualities: it is snappy and polished. The snappy nature results in a responsive, lively typing experience, likely due to longer or dual-staged springs. This responsiveness enhances the overall engagement while typing. Additionally, the polished finish denotes a smooth feel, reducing friction and allowing for seamless key travel, which is further complemented by the materials or factory lubing used in its construction. The feel characteristics of the Glory Yellow switch remain unspecified. However, many linear switches generally aim to provide a consistent and smooth keystroke, which may lead to a similar typing experience for users even without detailed descriptions.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch stands out with its poppy sound and refined, snappy feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow's qualities are less defined in terms of sound and feel. If you're considering these switches, the Everfree Cedar offers a distinct auditory experience alongside a responsive typing feel, while the Glory Yellow may still provide a satisfying linear experience, although details are limited. For users seeking a lively acoustic and tactile response, the Everfree Cedar is a solid choice, while those who prefer a more understated option might find the Glory Yellow appealing, given that both can yield satisfying results based on individual preferences and keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, polished feel with a snappy response, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for a cost-effective option that maintains reliability and delivers a satisfying poppy sound profile. This switch suits typists who enjoy a lively engagement with a quick actuation and refined key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a somewhat heavier keystroke combined with a pleasing travel distance for a more substantial typing experience, you might lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow. This switch offers smooth performance that can be particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a little more resistance during typing, making it great for both gaming and general productivity. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual typing habits, sound preferences, and tactile feedback desires.
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