Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus 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 Lotus stand out as two strong contenders, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a fulfilling typing experience while boasting a pleasing poppy sound profile, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for those seeking an efficient yet enjoyable switch. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus offers a medium weight of 50g bottom-out force and an exhilaratingly bright, resonant sound that delivers a super bouncy feel with every keystroke, ideal for users who enjoy a bit more feedback in their typing. Both switches have their own merits, with the Everfree Cedar leaning towards smoothness and reliability, while the Lotus caters to those looking for a more spirited typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus, a key contrast lies in the composition of their top housings. The Everfree Cedar utilizes polycarbonate, known for its stiffer attributes that yield a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material excels in both clarity and resonance, making it particularly advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing that contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch experience. With its softer plastic properties, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory profile, which caters to users who may prefer a more muted typing experience.
On the other hand, both the Everfree Cedar and the HMX Lotus share common ground with their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This consistency in material choice means that both switches will yield a similar deep and full sound profile due to nylon's inherent ability to dampen sound transmission. In this context, both switches will provide a comparable bottom-out experience, influenced by the softer nature of the nylon in both housings. As a result, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when keying down across both switches.
Despite the variations in top housing materials, ultimately, the qualities that define the sound and feel of each switch will depend heavily on the combination of materials used in both the top and bottom housings. The Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance when the key is released, while the nylon bottom housing will present a more muted and full sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the Lotus, with its nylon composition throughout, will emphasize cohesion in its sound profile, producing a consistently rounded auditory experience. Therefore, while the two switches navigate different sound profiles at the top, they converge in their shared material properties at the bottom, leading to a unified tactile sensation for users accustomed to typing on nylon switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a heavier switch, while the HMX Lotus, with an actuation force of 45 grams, is lighter and more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in our analysis; the Lotus does have a bottom out force of 50 grams, which signals a lighter, more responsive feel when fully depressed compared to the Cedar. If the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force were known, we could potentially ascertain more direct comparisons. As it stands, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavier Cedar switch may be ideal, while the lighter Lotus is preferable for those looking for ease of use and comfort during extended periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The EF Cedar measures 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Lotus switch, you can expect a quicker response time due to its shorter travel, which may be advantageous for gamers seeking an edge in fast-paced scenarios. However, some users might find the sharper actuation of the Lotus too abrupt, preferring the deeper feel of the Cedar switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Thus, while both switches are designed to offer smooth linear feedback, the Everfree Cedar provides a greater depth, catering to those who appreciate a more measured keystroke.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it an engaging choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant sound that adds a cheerful tone to each keystroke. Both switches are influenced by their respective keycap materials and board choices, so while their sound signatures differ, users can expect an enjoyable auditory experience from either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a consistent typing experience that many users find pleasurable. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch features a super bouncy sensation with its medium weight of 50g bottom out, enhancing the typing experience with an added element of responsiveness. This bounce can make each keystroke feel lively and engaging, appealing to users who enjoy a springy typing action.
Overall, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar excels with its satisfying sound and smooth feel, the HMX Lotus draws attention with its bright acoustics and bounce-driven typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, your choice comes down to what aspect—be it sound or feel—resonates more with your typing style. Whether you lean towards the Everfree for its consistent performance or the Lotus for its lively keystrokes, both can deliver an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and HMX Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that provides an exceptionally smooth and reliable performance while remaining cost-effective, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its unique poppy sound profile can create a satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for a casual office environment or simple gaming sessions where you value comfort over resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feel with a medium weight of 50 grams at bottom-out, the HMX Lotus switches may be more suited to your style. The bright, resonant sound combined with their bouncy feel offers a delightful tactile response that many users find invigorating, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of feedback with every keystroke. In summary, if smoothness, affordability, and reliability are your priorities, go with the Everfree Cedar; however, if you want an engaging and responsive typing experience, the HMX Lotus is the way to go.
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