Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Mamba present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Everfree Cedar stands out as a cost-effective choice that promises smooth and reliable performance, complemented by a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it an appealing option for users who value both functionality and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a more luxurious typing sensation, characterized by its gliding smoothness and a rich, creamy auditory experience, all in tribute to the late Kobe Bryant—a thoughtful nod that may resonate with fans of the basketball legend. While both switches deliver remarkable linear performance, the decision may ultimately hinge on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. 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
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Mamba both exhibit distinctive sound profiles influenced by their respective housing materials. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting setups, as the polycarbonate allows the light to shine through clearly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. In contrast, the Mamba features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is brighter, yet less sharp. Thus, while both switches aim for clarity in sound, the Everfree achieves this through the rigidity of polycarbonate, while the Mamba balances brightness with a rounder quality due to its material blend.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences between the two switches become more pronounced. The Everfree (EF) Cedar opts for nylon, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which benefits from its softer, sound-absorbing qualities. Conversely, the Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing known for creating a unique, deeper, and relatively muted sound. This difference in materials fosters a varied user experience; while the Everfree’s nylon bottom contributes significantly to the switch's overall sound with a more pronounced “thud” upon bottoming out, the Mamba’s POM material offers a comparatively softer landing that enhances the feel more than the sound. Hence, while both switches leverage different materials to create pleasing acoustics, they do so through contrasting approaches that affect tactile feedback and auditory results.
Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housing materials is crucial in defining the overall characteristics of each switch. In cases where top and bottom housings differ, like with the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Mamba, the unique traits of each material influence the sound and feel in distinct ways. While the higher-pitched, crisper sound of the Everfree would be more pronounced during key release due to its polycarbonate top, the deeper, rounder sounds from the nylon bottom would become more evident when the key is pressed down. The Mamba, on the other hand, would combine the brighter sound of its top housing with the muted, smooth quality of its POM bottom to create a cohesive typing experience. This understanding not only allows for an appreciation of each switch's qualities but suggests that even through different materials, switches can bring about similar typing sensations depending on their design configurations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EF Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning it requires a moderate amount of force to activate a keystroke, contributing to a comfortable typing experience for longer durations. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its overall resistance during extensive typing. In contrast, the Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer feedback when pressed all the way down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the actuation force for the Mamba remains unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its overall performance compared to the Cedar. Based on the known values, the Everfree switch is lighter due to its 55 grams actuation force, while the Mamba’s confirmed bottom out force suggests a heavier feel for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. Overall, if both switches' actuation forces were known, they could provide insights into whether users would achieve similar tactile results, but as it stands, their characteristics lead to distinct user experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the Gateron Everfree measures at 3.6 mm, while the Durock Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Cedar switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Mamba's shorter travel distance might cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gameplay. If you favor a more pronounced key feel, the Everfree Cedar would be the preferred choice due to its longer travel distance, while those prioritizing responsiveness might lean towards the Mamba for its shorter travel.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 linear switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is both engaging and pleasant. This characteristic makes it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch boasts a more complex auditory experience, being described as neutral and thocky. The neutral aspect implies a moderate actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for various environments, while the thocky quality provides a deep, rich resonance that many users find satisfying. However, it's important to note that sound can also significantly depend on the specific board and keycaps used with each switch, meaning both switches could result in varied auditory experiences based on setup.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's tactile qualities are not explicitly defined; however, Gateron switches are generally known for their smooth operation. Meanwhile, the Durock Mamba is characterized by a mild feel that is approachable for most typists, combined with a polished finish that ensures a refined experience. The mild nature allows for a gentler typing experience without harsh feedback, making it suitable for extended use. The polished feel contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction, which makes typing enjoyable and effortless.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Durock Mamba linear switches provide distinct auditory experiences—one being poppy and the other thocky—their overall qualities cater to different preferences. The Mamba offers a gentle and polished sensation compared to the Everfree's smoother operation. If you're considering either switch, you'll appreciate their unique qualities regardless of your choice, as both aim to deliver a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a cost-effective option that promises smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. It stands out for its lightweight feel, and while its exact bottom-out force is unknown, it is designed to deliver a satisfying, poppy sound profile that can be quite engaging. This switch would likely suit you well if you value a fun typing experience without needing particularly high actuation force, making it ideal for gaming or long typing sessions where ease and efficiency are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force that provides a more controlled typing experience, the Durock Mamba switch may be your go-to. The Mamba's neutral, thocky sound and polished feel contribute to a delightful auditory experience, making it versatile for both work and leisure. You'll appreciate the creamy feedback and smooth transition of each keypress, especially if you enjoy a balance between comfort and auditory satisfaction. In essence, choose the Everfree Cedar for a lightweight and engaging typing experience, and opt for the Mamba when you want a more refined and controlled feel.
Mentioned in this article
