Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, tactile feel, and sound profile, making it essential to compare options comprehensively. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a cost-effective choice that utilizes Gateron's trusted proprietary mold to deliver a satisfying and poppy sound profile. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch that provides a distinctive, clean, and low sound, making it an intriguing selection for those who prioritize acoustic performance. The Lavender HE also stands out for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, catering to a specific niche in the market. While both switches have their unique qualities—smoothness and affordability versus sound clarity and compatibility—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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Neo Lavender HE, the materials utilized in their top housings present distinct contrasts that significantly influence the switches' sound profiles. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This characteristic enables clearer auditory feedback, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sound. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound effect. The softer nature of nylon essentially absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material construction means that users will experience contrasting acoustic profiles between the two switches, with the Everfree Cedar achieving a brighter, higher-pitched response and the Lavender HE offering a mellower, more subdued sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Everfree Cedar and the Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon, leading to more similarities in this aspect of their design. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound, as this material tends to dampen vibrations and absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. Therefore, when pressing the key, users will experience a consistent feel between the two switches, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to a plush bottom-out sensation and a more rounded acoustic output. While both switches exhibit this similar bottom housing characteristic, the overall sound impression will still differ based on the specific properties of the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the top and bottom housings accentuate the sound profiles of each switch type uniquely. With the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top housing playing a vital role in delivering a sharper sound when keys are released, and the nylon bottom housing contributing to the deeper sound upon bottoming out, a distinct auditory experience emerges. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE's nylon top housing maintains that rounded sound profile throughout, making it a more consistently deeper switch. Even though both switches share commonalities in their bottom housing composition, the divergence in their top housing materials leads to notable variances in user experience, especially in sound and acoustics, showcasing how housing materials play an integral role in typing aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Everfree (EF) Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Lavender HE is lighter at 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prioritize ease of typing during extended work or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is unavailable, so we cannot compare it directly with the Lavender HE's bottom out force of 50 grams. Given that the Lavender HE's bottom out force is lighter than the Cedar's actuation force, users of the Lavender HE may find it provides a more consistent and manageable typing experience. In summary, if you prefer a lighter key feel for prolonged use, the Neo Lavender HE is the preferable choice, whereas the Gateron Evergreen Cedar’s heavier actuation force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Everfree measures 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly greater distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gateron Everfree is the shorter of the two options, which can provide quicker response times favored by gamers seeking swift keypress actions. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing, offering a depth that some find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between these switches largely depends on personal preference for travel distance, with the Everfree being the more responsive option and the Lavender HE providing a deeper engagement.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 can add a bit of character to your typing experience. This sound is a result of Gateron's proprietary mold, allowing for a smooth auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is characterized by a clean, low sound, which is more subdued compared to the Cedar. The primary difference here lies in the auditory feedback: the Cedar switch brings a lively pop, while the Lavender HE offers a muted, minimalist sound. As with any switch, the overall sound profile can also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth operation and consistent linear action, making it an appealing choice for those who favor uninterrupted keystrokes. This linear feel allows for a fluid typing experience, appealing to gamers and typists alike who prioritize rapid key presses without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Lavender HE features a distinct magnetic actuation mechanism that provides a unique feel, though specific details about its exact tactile response are less clear. Overall, the Cedar is recognized for its seamless linearity, while the Lavender HE may offer a different kind of experience due to its innovative design.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is ideal for users seeking a lively sound profile and smooth linear feedback. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch caters to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience with potentially different tactile sensations. Choosing between these two will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both switches are designed to deliver a quality typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize smoothness and reliability in your typing experience, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its smooth action and satisfying sound profile make it ideal for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a light and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that offers a unique sound profile with a clean and low pitch, along with a tactile feel that some users find more engaging, the Neo Lavender HE may be the better option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for rapid keypresses, which can be particularly advantageous in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, consider factors such as your typing habits, sound preferences, and the type of tasks you’ll be performing. By aligning your choice with these factors, you can select the switch that perfectly suits your needs.
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