Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Lime

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Lime, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The EF Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. This switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile while remaining cost-effective, appealing to budget-conscious users seeking quality. In contrast, the Outemu Lime offers a unique tactile experience, featuring lightweight actuation and a subtle tactile bump. Its muted sound and approachable tactility cater to those who enjoy feedback without the noise, making it perfect for quiet office environments or shared spaces. While both switches excel in their respective categories, the EF Cedar provides a seamless typing experience, whereas the Lime introduces a gentle tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

Outemu Lime Tactile

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Lime switches exemplify the diversity in keyboard switch design, particularly in the materials used for their housing. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a brighter, sharper, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This choice is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize the aesthetic of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a vibrant illumination effect. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice among mechanical switches. The softer nature of nylon leads to a fuller and deeper sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while each switch employs distinct materials for the top housing, the resulting sound profiles are notably different, with the EF Cedar offering a clearer sound and the Lime a more enveloping one.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Everfree Cedar and the Outemu Lime utilize nylon, which contributes to a consistent sound experience in the deeper register. The nylon material provides a softer feel, further enhancing the roundness and fullness of the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. This is particularly significant as the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall keystroke experience. With both switches integrating nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar tactile feel and sound signature upon bottoming out, regardless of the differences in the top housings. This consistent element showcases the importance of housing materials in shaping not only the sound but also the tactile feedback of each switch.

In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Lime present a juxtaposition in their top housing materials while maintaining shared characteristics in their bottom housings. The EF Cedar’s polycarbonate top allows for a vibrant and sharp sound, especially advantageous when paired with RGB lighting, while the Lime’s nylon top offers a more muted and warmer acoustic profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a similar experience when pressed down. Therefore, users seeking unique sound characteristics can choose between the two based on their preference for sound clarity or depth, while still enjoying a common tactile and auditory baseline when pressing the keys.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there is a significant difference in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier of the two switches, while the Lime, with an actuation force of only 35 grams, is considerably lighter. This difference means that typists and gamers who prefer a more substantial push will find the Everfree Cedar more to their liking, as its higher actuation force can provide a firmer typing experience. In terms of bottom-out force, the Everfree Cedar's value is not available, while the Lime has a bottom-out force of 45 grams, which is relatively light. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may prefer the Outemu Lime for its lower actuation and bottom-out forces. Conversely, those who appreciate a stronger push feel might gravitate toward the Gateron Everfree Cedar, despite its unknown bottom-out force. Overall, the lighter Lime allows for quicker keystrokes, whereas the heavier Cedar could be favored for its tactile feedback and substance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there's a notable difference in their measurements. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the longer option, providing a deeper keypress feel that some users may prefer for its stability and feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Lime, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feel during fast-paced actions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying and poppy sound profile that captures the essence of typical linear switches without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments but may still emit noticeable sounds with each keypress. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch features a muted sound signature, making it quieter and less intrusive. It provides a neutral volume level that is manageable for shared spaces, which is a significant advantage for users who are sensitive to noise or work in quieter environments. As both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, users can choose based on their preference for a more pronounced or subdued sound.

When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch provides a smooth typing experience that is characteristic of linear switches, allowing for swift key presses without the bump found in tactile or clicky switches. In comparison, the Outemu Lime switch is described as feathery light and mild, catering to those who prefer a gentle actuation with less effort involved. This can lead to reduced finger fatigue during prolonged typing, making the Lime suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions. Moreover, the Lime switch’s polished feel, combined with its subtle resistance, ensures that each press feels refined and effortless, while also being friendly for those who are new to mechanical keyboards.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Lime switches differ in sound and feel, they both serve unique purposes and preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cedar offers a more engaging auditory experience aligned with traditional linear switches, whereas the Lime caters to individuals seeking a quieter, lighter, and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on one’s personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback, suggesting that both options can deliver satisfying results tailored to specific user needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Outemu Lime tactile switches comes down to your personal typing style and preferences. If you're looking for a smooth, lightweight switch that enhances your typing experience with minimal resistance, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent pick. Its linear design allows for a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, making it suitable for gamers or users who appreciate a frictionless feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a subtle tactile feedback with a muted sound profile, the Outemu Lime is a fantastic option. With its lightweight feel and approachable actuation force, it caters well to those who seek a balance between tactile feedback and comfort, ideal for long typing sessions whether at work or home. In the end, your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable in your keyboard experience, whether it’s the smooth glide of the Cedar or the gentle tactility of the Lime.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar Linear

$2.99

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more