Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Luciola, both of which are linear switches designed for smooth typing experiences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its reliable performance and satisfying, poppy sound profile, making it an attractive choice for users who appreciate a more traditional linear feel at a budget-friendly price. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola captivates with its unique glow-in-the-dark feature while still delivering a smooth and bouncy typing experience, alongside a distinct sound reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. While both switches offer a linear feel and cater to different preferences, the Everfree Cedar excels in reliability and cost-effectiveness, while the Luciola stands out with its aesthetic appeal and distinct auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Luciola highlight interesting contrasts while presenting some similarities that contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper, crisper sound profile. This characteristic is largely due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which promotes a clear and resonant auditory experience. This makes the Everfree particularly suitable for RGB setups, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal when combined with lighting effects. Conversely, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, yielding a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that is characterized as being thin and clacky, which positions it as an enticing option for those looking for a more nuanced auditory feedback.
Delving deeper into the bottom housing, the Everfree (EF) Cedar incorporates nylon, a traditional switch material recognized for its capacity to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer structure absorbs more sound, creating a sound output that can be described as rounder and less sharp compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. Meanwhile, the Luciola's bottom housing also utilizes the proprietary INK blend, which continues the trend of a high-pitched sound profile, contributing to a clacky auditory experience. Although both switches exhibit high-pitched sound characteristics, the presence of nylon in the Cedar's bottom housing introduces a contrasting warmth and depth that impacts the typing experience differently than the consistent pointed quality found in the Luciola’s INK blend.
When evaluated in conjunction, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials of each switch reveal how the unique qualities of each material contribute to an integrated auditory experience. In the case of the Everfree (EF) Cedar, the combination of a sharp-sounding polycarbonate top with a deeper nylon bottom results in a sound profile that contains both crispness and warmth. On the other hand, the Luciola maintains a more uniform sound signature, as both its top and bottom housings are made from the same proprietary INK blend, leading to a cohesive, clacky feedback when typing. Thus, while each switch provides its individual characteristics, typing on either switch will yield a high-pitched sound, with the Everfree blending its diverse housing materials to achieve a more intricate auditory experience.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Luciola linear switches display noteworthy similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches boast an actuation force of 55 grams, which means they are equally suited for users who prefer a balanced typing experience that can accommodate long sessions of either typing or gaming without causing excessive fatigue. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to fully depress the key compared to the Everfree Cedar, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. This makes the Luciola a heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch for extended use might lean towards the Everfree Cedar, while users who appreciate a firmer key press might prefer the Luciola for its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect the same tactile response as the key travels from the top to the bottom. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals looking for a consistent typing experience will find that they yield similar results in terms of key feel and performance. Ultimately, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them equally matched in this aspect.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can add a pleasant auditory layer to typing. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a more complex and lively auditory signature. Its sound can be described as clacky and chirpy, lending itself to a sharp and snappy typing experience. The Luciola's sounds can be high-pitched and marbly, reminiscent of the sharp clarity found in certain acoustics. The Everfree's poppy sound stands apart because of its distinct tuning, whereas the Luciola's quirky characteristics make it more vibrant and dynamic, though sound perceptions can vary based on the keyboard setup and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's tactile response isn’t explicitly detailed, leaving some unknowns about its specific characteristics. On the other hand, the Luciola linear switch is celebrated for its snappy, buttery, and polished feel, creating an incredibly responsive and smooth typing experience. The snappiness ensures that each keystroke has an engaging feedback, while the buttery and polished attributes promise a refined and frictionless interaction, resulting from quality manufacturing and possibly lubing. While the feel of the Everfree might still provide reliable performance, it is the Luciola that distinctly excels in providing a more memorable tactile experience.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch tends to offer a reliable yet understated auditory and tactile experience, whereas the Gateron Luciola linear switch brings a lively and textured sound profile along with a smooth and responsive feel. If you appreciate a more vibrant typing experience, the Luciola is the way to go, whereas the Everfree provides a dependable alternative that offers similar typing results. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for sound characteristics and tactile feedback, making either switch a viable option based on your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Luciola linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, reliable typing experience and demand a responsive, cost-effective option, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its lightweight feel paired with a satisfying poppy sound can enhance your productivity, making it ideal for long typing sessions or if you require a quieter workspace. On the other hand, if you enjoy typing on switches with medium resistance and a delightful auditory experience, the Luciola may be more suitable for you. With its unique, eye-catching glow and clacky yet polished sound profile, it adds an extra layer of fun to your typing while still delivering a smooth and bouncy feel. Additionally, if aesthetics are important to you, the Luciola’s glow-in-the-dark feature can elevate your keyboard setup. By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences in mechanical keyboards.
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