Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Jade Rosales offers a fascinating study in contrasts, despite both being linear switches. The Everfree Cedar shines with its smooth and reliable performance, thanks to Gateron's trusted proprietary mold, while also being a cost-effective option for those looking to enhance their typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship, having undergone over a year of refinement, which results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience coupled with custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. While the Everfree Cedar offers an appealing poppy sound profile, the Jade Rosales focuses heavily on delivering an ultra-smooth feel, catering to enthusiasts who prioritize precision in their keystrokes. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Jade Rosales, both switches feature polycarbonate as the top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. This similarity in the top housing material suggests that users can expect a clear and resonant sound when typing on both switches, especially beneficial for those who utilize RGB lighting since the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of both switches is enhanced by the use of polycarbonate, making them visually striking.
Contrasting the bottom housings reveals a divergence in material choice that influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softness, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent sound absorption qualities of nylon can yield a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales is equipped with a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing. While specific details about this proprietary blend are less defined compared to nylon, it indicates a different construction approach that could either enhance sound dampening or may present a unique sound profile altogether.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials affects the overall typing experience. While the top housings of both switches may produce a similar sound quality, the variance in bottom housings will lead to differing acoustic outcomes. The nylon of the Everfree (EF) Cedar will contribute to a more muted and resonant sound upon key release, while the Jade Rosales's Custom Milky Material will evoke its distinctive tonal characteristics, potentially offering a different bottom-out sound and feel. Users seeking richer sound profiles might lean towards the nylon housing, while those looking for unique or modular sound structures could favor the proprietary material of the Jade Rosales.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it heavier compared to the Jade Rosales, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Cedar switch may be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing, as it requires more force to actuate. However, the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force is unknown, while the Jade Rosales has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction implies that while both switches might provide a smooth typing experience, the Jade Rosales may be more forgiving for prolonged use, allowing for less fatigue during extended typing sessions. In summary, the Gateron Everfree Cedar is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the Bsun Jade Rosales not only has a lighter actuation force but also provides a known bottom out force, making it potentially more suited for those seeking reduced fatigue during lengthy use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we see a slight difference that could influence user preference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Jade Rosales features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference is only 0.1 mm, it aligns with the trend of shorter travel distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. Those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback while typing might prefer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for its greater depth. Conversely, if quick responsiveness is a priority, the Jade Rosales could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences due to their travel distances, with the Cedar being slightly longer and potentially providing a more satisfying feel for users who enjoy depth in their key presses.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This characteristic is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a bit of audible feedback with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch has been meticulously refined to achieve an exceptionally smooth typing experience, although its specific auditory properties are not detailed. It's important to note that the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the board and keycap used, which means that both switches could potentially deliver enjoyable acoustic results depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a smooth and reliable performance, characteristic of Gateron's trusted design. This ensures a consistent typing experience without any tactile bumps or roughness. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has been developed with custom housings and stems, along with advanced lubrication techniques that contribute to a notably smooth feel. While both switches prioritize a linear feel, potential users might find that the Jade Rosales excels in delivering an even more refined experience, thanks to its extensive development and customization.
Overall, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches both cater to users who appreciate smooth linear performance, they present different nuances in sound and feel. The Everfree Cedar promises a pleasant auditory experience paired with reliable typing, while the Jade Rosales focuses on the refined smoothness that comes from its extensive optimization process. If you're choosing between them, your decision may come down to your preference for sound character—affordability with the Everfree Cedar or a more refined feel with the Jade Rosales—both of which can deliver satisfying typing experiences depending on your setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a cost-effective option that provides smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a satisfying, poppy sound profile. This switch is ideal for everyday typing and gaming, as its lighter actuation feels particularly comfortable for long sessions or for those who prefer a gentler touch. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally refined typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Jade Rosales would be the way to go. These switches offer a meticulously crafted feel and sound, thanks to extensive refinements in their design, making them perfect for users who value a more pronounced tactile sensation and greater sound depth. Thus, consider what typing experience you desire: whether it's the dependable efficiency of the Everfree Cedar or the luxurious smoothness of the Jade Rosales.
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