Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Melodic presents users with distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking minimal resistance and consistency during fast typing or gaming sessions. It also boasts a satisfying sound profile, offering a blend of quietude and pop that some users find appealing in a work environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic shines as a clicky switch, designed to infuse excitement into the typing experience. With advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems, users can enjoy the invigorating sound and tactile feedback characteristic of clicky switches while still benefiting from smooth keystrokes. While the Everfree Cedar caters to those who prefer a silent yet satisfying typing experience, the Melodic is crafted for enthusiasts who relish the nostalgia of classic clicky 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
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Melodic share significant similarities in their housing materials, contributing to a comparable auditory experience when typing. Their top housings are made from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice allows both switches to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's rigidity enhances resonance, leading to a clearer auditory feedback that typists often appreciate. Besides its acoustic benefits, the clear nature of the polycarbonate housing also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of keyboards equipped with these switches.
In contrast to their identical top housing compositions, the Everfree Cedar and Melodic are also constructed with nylon for their bottom housings, both yielding a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and leads to a rounder and more muted sound compared to harder materials. While both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, the combined characteristics of their respective housings offer a well-rounded auditory experience. The simultaneous use of nylon and polycarbonate ensures that the overall sound signature remains rich, allowing typists to enjoy both clear keystrokes and deeper bottom-out sounds.
In summary, the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron Melodic exemplify how the interplay of housing materials can influence the acoustic characteristics of mechanical switches. By utilizing the same top housing material—polycarbonate—and the same bottom housing material—nylon—both switches achieve a harmonious blend of sound profiles. Thus, while there may be minute differences when typing on each, users can expect a similar auditory experience shaped by the unique contributions of polycarbonate and nylon, splitting the acoustics effectively between the top and bottom components of the switch.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, while its bottom out force remains unknown. In contrast, the Melodic switch has an unspecified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorized as medium. While we can't compare the actuation forces directly due to one being unknown, we do know that the Melodic switch has a heavier bottom out force compared to the actuation force of the Everfree Cedar. Consequently, the Everfree Cedar is the lighter option for actuation force, providing a softer typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged use such as long working hours or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Melodic is the heavier choice overall, likely appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feedback when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Melodic switch allows for a deeper keypress, which might be preferred by users who appreciate a more tactile sensation when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar switch may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel. Ultimately, if you favor a rapid and responsive experience, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, while the Melodic’s longer travel distance could suit those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Both switches provide distinct experiences, highlighting individual preferences in typing or gaming styles.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 exhibits a satisfying and poppy audio profile that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. While specific descriptors for its sound are not provided, the reputation of linear switches suggests that it will produce a softer, less pronounced noise when compared to clicky switches. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic showcases a bright, resonant sound that is both clean and sharp, reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves crunching underfoot. This clicky switch not only offers a classic click sound but emphasizes a higher-pitched auditory experience, adding an energetic layer to typing sessions that many users find delightful.
When considering the feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, aligning well with the expectations for linear switches that prioritize a fluid keystroke. Although specific adjectives to enhance its description are missing, one can infer that the absence of tactile bumps or clicks would result in a consistent typing experience. In stark contrast, the Gateron Melodic offers a buttery feel complemented by invigorating feedback. The smooth, fluid keystrokes contribute to an effortless typing sensation, while the pronounced tactile response leads to a snappy, reactive experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging interaction with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Melodic switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel while also highlighting the broader characteristics of linear and clicky switches. The Everfree Cedar provides a quiet, smooth typing experience, perfect for users who favor minimal sound and distraction. Meanwhile, the Melodic switch rejoices in its classic, resonant click and invigorating feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a more interactive and audible typing experience. Users seeking a linear feel will benefit from a smooth operation with the Everfree Cedar, whereas those drawn to tactile and auditory stimulation will find pleasure in the Melodic's texture and poppy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth, reliable performance with a quieter operating experience, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its linear nature allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, making it a perfect fit for tasks that require focus, like coding or writing, where noise distraction is minimal. On the other hand, if you crave a classic, tactile typing experience with an auditory feedback element, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch will be more to your liking. Its crunchy, resonant sound profile combined with an invigorating feel offers an engaging typing experience that can make each keystroke feel more satisfying, ideal for those who enjoy the traditional clickiness of mechanical keyboards. Thus, consider your typing habits, the level of noise acceptable in your environment, and the type of feedback you prefer to ensure you pick the switch that resonates best with your needs.
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