Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves considering the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Lupine, both linear switches that offer distinct experiences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a cost-effective solution with a satisfying, poppy sound profile thanks to Gateron’s proprietary mold. This switch appeals to those who prioritize a lightweight feel and consistent performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine is known for its unique two-stage long springs that create a consistent weight distribution during keystrokes, along with a powerful upward movement on rebound. Coupled with its classic clacky sound, the Lupine offers an engaging typing experience for users who enjoy a bit more feedback and a polished finish. Each switch presents its own advantages, making the choice ultimately dependent on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and budget. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Durock Lupine switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic known for its clarity and resonant qualities, ensures that both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in material choice also allows both switches to effectively harness the translucent properties of polycarbonate, making them ideal candidates for keyboards featuring RGB lighting. Consequently, users of both the Everfree Cedar and the Durock Lupine can expect similar visual effects when backlighting is applied, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of their setups.
In contrast, while both switches share the same top housing material, their bottom housings differentiate them. The Everfree Cedar and the Durock Lupine each feature nylon for their bottom housings, a classic material that yields a contrasting auditory experience. Nylon's relatively softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic allows for a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to the sharper sound generated by the polycarbonate top. Therefore, although there is material consistency in the top housing, the encompassing sound produced upon key press showcases how the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in crafting a unique typing experience for each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches offers a balance between sharp high notes from the tops and deep, resonant lows from the bottoms. This dual-material approach means that while both the Everfree Cedar and Durock Lupine might sound similar on release, the tactile and auditory experience is diversified based on how each individual housing interacts during usage. When typing on either switch, users will experience the amalgamated results of both housing materials, where the polycarbonate top contributes to the initial note and the nylon bottom completes the sound profile, making the switches appealing to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces present distinct differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Everfree Cedar switch has a known actuation force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force is unavailable. Conversely, the Durock Lupine's bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, though its actuation force is also unknown. This indicates that while the actuation force of the Everfree Cedar is set, its overall bottoming force might be lighter than the Lupine's, suggesting that users may experience less resistance when fully depressing the Cedar switch, which could be beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The heavier bottom out force of the Lupine could provide users with a more tactile and substantial typing experience, making it preferable for those who enjoy a firmer feedback during use. In summary, while the Everfree Cedar is lighter in terms of known actuation force, the absence of its bottom out force data leaves some uncertainty, especially when contrasted with the Lupine's confirmed, medium bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the EF Cedar is the shorter option, making it more appealing for gamers or those who favor quicker response times during typing or gaming, as its diminished depth allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Lupine’s 3.7 mm travel distance might be preferred by users who appreciate a bit more resistance and depth when typing, as it provides a more substantial feel. Both switches fall under the typical range of travel distances, with the Lupine being marginally longer, indicating that switching between these two can yield similar tactile feedback while still catering to slightly different preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch features a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to typing. This switch strikes a balance that can be enjoyable without being overly intrusive, making it suitable for both home and office environments. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched quality. This sharper and crisp more high-pitched sound can be particularly attractive to those who lean towards a brighter auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound experiences, with the Everfree leaning towards a punchy tone and the Lupine providing a more traditional clack.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is known for its smooth and reliable performance, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch features a unique two-stage long spring that creates a compelling sensation during key presses. This switch distributes weight consistently as you press down, followed by a powerful rebound that gives a noticeable lift, making the overall typing experience dynamic. The Lupine's characteristics can feel more engaging compared to the relatively straightforward yet smooth performance of the Everfree, catering to different preferences for tactile experience.
Considering both switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Lupine offer unique sounds and feels that cater to various typing preferences. The Everfree provides a poppy and satisfying sound with a smooth, reliable feel, ideal for those who value a gentle yet enjoyable experience. In contrast, the Lupine delivers a classic clacky sound paired with a more dynamic feel, inviting a sense of engagement with each key press. Depending on personal preference, you can choose either switch to find similar enjoyment through their effective features, though they distinctly cater to different auditory and tactile tastes in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Durock Lupine linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a cost-effective, reliable option that delivers smooth performance with a satisfying poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are an excellent choice. Their unique qualities make them especially appealing for casual typing or gaming, where a straightforward and pleasant experience is key. On the other hand, if you value a more polished typing experience with a distinct sound and feel, the Durock Lupine switches might be more suited to your needs. With their two-stage long springs, they offer a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful rebound, making them ideal for those who appreciate a mildly tactile feel combined with a classic clacky sound. Whether you prefer the gentle ease of the Everfree (EF) Cedar or the refined characteristics of the Durock Lupine will ultimately depend on your desired typing experience and sound preferences, so consider trying both to discover what resonates with you.
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