Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jelly both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, thanks to Gateron's proprietary mold, and provides a satisfying, poppy sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch stands out with its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, delivering a more muted acoustic experience that some may find more enjoyable when typing for extended periods; it’s also known for being super smooth with an excellent factory lube and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking speed. Ultimately, both switches offer solid performance for different reasons—whether you prefer the poppy feedback of the Everfree Cedar or the deep, thocky response of the Jelly, there’s a compelling case for either choice. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jelly, a distinctive contrast emerges between their top housings. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This results in a clear and resonant audio experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a warmer and fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Hence, while both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the materials employed in their top housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall acoustic outcome.
On the other hand, both the Everfree Cedar and the HMX Jelly feature nylon for their bottom housings, creating a common ground in this aspect. The nylon housing in both switches contributes significantly to producing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as it effectively absorbs sound. This consistency in bottom housing material means that when a user presses down on either switch, they will experience similar qualities that enhance the feel and sound upon bottoming out. The similarities in bottom housing suggest that despite the differing top housings, both switches can provide a rewarding tactile experience under certain conditions.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings between the Gateron Everfree Cedar and the HMX Jelly distinctly affect their respective sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller auditory feedback. Users will appreciate the sharpness and clarity of the Everfree Cedar in scenarios favoring a more bright output, especially with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Jelly offers a more subdued and rounded acoustic experience, attributable to its nylon top housing. Nevertheless, with the bottom housings being the same, users can expect a consistent tactile experience during key presses, which might balance out some of the sound profile differences when using the switches overall.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of just 42 grams. This makes the Jelly more suitable for those who prefer a lightweight feel, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, while the Jelly has a measurable bottom out force of 48 grams, the Everfree Cedar’s bottom out force remains unknown. Therefore, we can't compare them directly in this aspect. However, this difference in actuation force indicates that the Jelly switch is lighter and may offer a quicker response, whereas the Everfree Cedar appeals to users looking for a more substantial push feel during each keystroke, which can enhance the typing experience for those who favor heavier switches. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference for either lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jelly measures a slightly longer 3.8 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option and the Jelly the longer one. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar may provide quicker actuation, which is especially favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, users who enjoy more depth in their key presses might find the Jelly's longer travel distance to be more satisfying, despite it being less swift. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding actuation speed versus the feeling of deeper keystrokes.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that can evoke a sense of joy during typing. Its sound signature reflects Gateron's dedication to creating a pleasant auditory experience, making it an engaging option for users who enjoy a more lively keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch presents a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that delivers a more muted yet substantial auditory response. This velvety sound can provide a satisfying feedback loop during use, appealing to those who prefer a softer acoustic signature. Both sound experiences can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycap material, and overall build quality.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is designed to provide smooth and reliable performance, ensuring a consistent typing experience. Its linear actuation makes it suitable for users who seek fluid keystrokes without tactile bumps or loud clicks. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch features excellent factory lubrication, contributing to an exceptionally smooth feel. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g, the Jelly is likely to require less effort to press, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing style. Both switches showcase satisfying smoothness, but the Jelly offers a lighter touch that some users may find more appealing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Jelly linear switches have their unique qualities. The Everfree offers a poppy sound profile combined with a reliable and smooth feel, making it an enjoyable choice for many. The Jelly, in contrast, provides a deep thocky sound with an ultra-smooth feel and a lighter actuation force, catering to users who appreciate a more subtle auditory experience and less effort when typing. While each switch has its distinct qualities, those looking for engaging acoustics and smooth performance will find satisfaction in both options, albeit with different character nuances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use case will play a crucial role. If you desire a smooth and reliable typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar could be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly attractive for budget-conscious users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while still enjoying a linear feel. However, if you prefer a deeper, more subdued thocky sound along with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, the HMX Jelly switch may be more suited to your taste. With its low actuation force and enhanced factory lubrication, the Jelly offers a lightweight typing experience that can be particularly appealing for rapid typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize sound character and tactile sensations over typing force, allowing you to choose the switch that aligns best with your keyboard usage and personal preferences.
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