Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jammy both stand out as appealing linear options, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar, a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, enhanced by its satisfying poppy sound profile, making it a great option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy features softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a quieter environment. Both switches deliver a unique feel and responsiveness, making them suitable for different use cases, whether you seek the tactile satisfaction of the Everfree Cedar or the serene typing experience of the Jammy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jammy present intriguing contrasts, especially in their top housing compositions. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic results in a clear and resonant auditory experience that users often seek when looking for a lively typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Jammy sports a nylon top housing, which excels in creating a deeper and fuller sound. Due to the softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound, leading to a smoother and more subdued auditory feedback. Thus, while the EF Cedar may cater to users preferring a brighter sound, the Jammy appeals to those who enjoy a warmer and rounder auditory profile.
When we delve into the bottom housing materials, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jammy are aligned, utilizing nylon for this component. This commonality results in both switches delivering a consistent performance regarding the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the tactile experience, as its properties ensure a soft landing and a fuller sound when the key is pressed down. While the materials may differ in the top housing, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing guarantees that they provide a similar depth in sound and feel. Therefore, while the auditory nuances may vary between the switches, the bottom housing unifies their performance characteristics.
To illustrate a comprehensive comparison, it's essential to recognize that the overall sound profile of each switch will be influenced by the interplay between the top and bottom housings. For example, in the Everfree (EF) Cedar, the high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate top housing combines with the fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, providing a nuanced auditory experience that captures both brightness and warmth. Conversely, the HMX Jammy’s design leads to a richer bottom-out sound from its nylon bottom but still mellows with a softer response from its nylon top housing. Ultimately, if users are seeking distinct auditory profiles, the Everfree (EF) Cedar presents a crisp experience, while the Jammy offers a stronger base note, despite their shared nylon bottom housing that harmonizes the overall feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer feel that can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch requires a firmer actuation force of 57 grams, making it marginally heavier and potentially more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, while the Jammy has a defined bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a stronger physical feedback when pressed fully down. Overall, if you're inclined towards a lighter switch for extended use, the Everfree Cedar is the preferred option, whereas the Jammy offers a heavier experience that might cater better to those who seek a more forceful tactile response.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Jammy switch offers a bit more depth in its key press compared to the Cedar switch, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Cedar switch may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: the Cedar is the shorter option, perfect for those favoring responsiveness, whereas the Jammy, being the longer option, is suited for individuals who prefer a more traditional typing experience with noticeable depth.
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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can create an engaging acoustic environment during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch is characterized by a muted sound that promotes a more serene typing experience. While the Cedar produces a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Jammy’s softer sound can be beneficial in quieter environments or for users who prefer less audible clicks when typing. It’s important to note that the overall sound can vary based on external factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
When considering the feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a smooth and reliable experience typical of linear switches, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy seamless keystrokes without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch, featuring a medium-weight design, aims to create a deeply satisfying typing experience, which might be perceived as a touch heavier compared to the Cedar. This distinction in the feel may cater to different preferences; the Cedar might appeal to those who favor a straightforward linear action, while the Jammy could attract users who enjoy a bit more resistance and depth in their typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Jammy linear switches serve distinct auditory experiences—with the former being poppy and pronounced and the latter muted and soft—they both provide smooth performance characteristic of linear switches. The different weights and feedback offered by these switches allow users to select based on their personal typing preferences; whether one prefers a more pronounced sound or a muted feel, both options can yield enjoyable results depending on the individual’s needs and the specific keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and overall typing experience. If you seek a beginner-friendly switch that emphasizes smooth and reliable performance without overwhelming noise, the EF Cedar might be your go-to choice. Its unique poppy sound profile and cost-effective nature make it particularly appealing for those who are just starting and want a satisfying linear experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted response with a medium weight and a softer touch, the HMX Jammy is likely to be more suitable. With its deeper, glittery nylon housing, the Jammy offers a typing experience that many find rewarding and engaging, especially if you’re looking to reduce auditory distractions while still enjoying a pleasurable tactile sensation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own typing style, sound preferences, and whether you prioritize a poppy feedback or a muted auditory experience in your keyboard setup.
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