Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly affect your typing experience, and two popular options in the linear switch category are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus (Heavy). The Everfree Cedar stands out with its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective option that delivers a satisfying and poppy sound profile, ideal for users who relish a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, which provides a delightful bouncy feeling with each keystroke and a bright, resonant sound that makes typing feel more dynamic and engaging. While both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and speed, they cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize a gentle, consistent feedback or a more pronounced and spirited typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), we see a marked contrast in the materials used for their top housings. The EF Cedar features a top housing made of polycarbonate, praised for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which imparts a clearer resonance to the keystroke. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is often associated with translucency, making it a popular choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing the light to shine through and enhance visual effects. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This softer plastic results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the materials contributes significantly to the overall acoustic character of each switch.
In contrast, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a trait that creates a sense of uniformity between the two models in terms of the auditory and tactile experience during typing. Since nylon is recognized for absorbing sound, both switches benefit from this material's properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile for each keystroke. Because the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will exhibit a similar tactile sensation and sound quality when pressed down. This resemblance allows users to experience a consistent return sound that feels plush and satisfying regardless of which switch they are interacting with.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the two switches result in distinct sound profiles. While the Everfree (EF) Cedar showcases a clear, bright sound due to its polycarbonate top, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a warmer and rounder auditory experience from its nylon top. Nevertheless, the inherent similarities in their nylon bottom housings mean that both switches can still deliver an engaging and complementary typing experience. Thus, while each model brings unique acoustic and aesthetic qualities to the table, they also share a common foundation that can yield comparable results in terms of depth of sound when pressed, allowing users to select their preferred options based on their specific sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that their actuation forces are the same, both requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness when pressing either switch. However, the bottom out force presents a notable difference: the Lotus (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar remains unknown. This indicates that the Lotus switch provides a more substantial feel upon full key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a heavier touch for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Cedar switch could be perceived as lighter, especially considering the lack of specified bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for extended use with less finger fatigue. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Lotus offers a heavier overall typing experience due to its defined bottom out force, whereas the Cedar might be favored for lighter, longer typing and gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures 3.5 mm. This makes the Lotus the shorter of the two, albeit only slightly so. A difference of 0.1 mm may not seem substantial, but for those seeking rapid response times, the Lotus could provide a slight edge due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when pressing keys. Both can deliver a satisfying typing experience, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus 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 Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 is known for its satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it a pleasant choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that contributes to an engaging typing experience. While both switches provide enjoyable audio feedback, the Everfree's poppy characteristic contrasts with the Lotus's bright resonance, showcasing how sound can vary between different switches.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers smooth and reliable performance, resulting in a consistent typing experience that many users find comforting. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a super bouncy feel, which adds a layer of dynamism to each keystroke, enhancing the overall tactile experience. While both switches provide distinct experiences, the Everfree focuses on smoothness, whereas the Lotus emphasizes a more energetic bounce.
Overall, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. For users who appreciate a smooth, poppy sound and performance, the Everfree Cedar stands out as a cost-effective option. In contrast, those looking for a brighter sound and a spirited feel might prefer the Lotus Heavy switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes auditory feedback, typing smoothness, or a bouncy feel, ensuring that both switching options can lead to satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and reliable performance without requiring a specific bottom-out force, the Everfree (EF) Cedar may be the ideal option for you. Its cost-effectiveness and satisfying, poppy sound profile make it an excellent choice for those who want a responsive typing experience without the weight of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke that provides a bouncy sensation, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) could be more suited to your needs. With its higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams and bright, resonant sound, this switch can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a pronounced sound with each press. In summary, your selection will hinge on whether you seek a lighter, smoother experience with the Everfree or a heavier, more tactile engagement provided by the Lotus switch.
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