Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, especially when comparing options like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Mini i. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is a linear switch renowned for its smooth and polished performance, delivering a satisfying pop with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy an uninterrupted and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch designed primarily with office environments in mind, offering gentle feedback without the intrusive clack of louder switches. Its bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, combining comfort and subtlety to meet the demands of a professional setting. While both switches offer unique benefits, the Everfree Cedar appeals to those seeking a responsive and smooth experience, while the Mini i caters to users who prefer a softer, tactile touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Mini i, a pronounced difference is evident in the top housing composition. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness allows for a more resonant response, enhancing the overall auditory experience, especially in scenarios where RGB lighting is utilized, given the material's translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i boasts a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback when typing. This clear distinction in materials fundamentally alters the sound signature that users can expect from each switch.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, they share a similarity, as both utilize nylon for their construction. This shared material leads to a comparable sound experience when pressing down on the switches. The nylon bottom housing, being a classic switch housing material, contributes a deeper sound profile, regardless of the switch type. The softer quality of nylon ensures that both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Mini i provide a more pleasant bottom-out feel, characterized by a resonant yet rounded sound. In this aspect, users can expect similar tactile feedback and sound when they bottom out, effectively bridging the gap between the differences found in their top housings.
In summary, while the top housing of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Mini i present distinct materials that influence the auditory characteristics of each switch, they converge in their bottom housing composition. The polycarbonate top of the Everfree (EF) Cedar contributes to its higher-pitched response, while the nylon in both bottom housings lends a fuller sound to the bottoming-out experience. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials in the top housings, users can expect consistent results in terms of bottom-out feel and sound profile, thanks to the shared nylon construction. This duality allows enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of auditory sensations while typing, balancing the crispness and warmth provided by both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force are notable. The Everfree Cedar requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that typists favoring a more substantial feel might gravitate toward the Everfree Cedar, whereas those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Mini i to be more comfortable. Regarding the bottom out force, the Mini i's is set at 50 grams, providing a definitive push-back upon bottoming out, whereas the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force remains unknown. This could indicate that the experience of bottoming out might be less standardized with the Cedar switch, but it doesn't negate its suitability for those who prefer heavier switches. Overall, the Mini i is the lighter switch, while the Everfree Cedar offers a heavier actuation for a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Mini i the shorter option of the two, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Everfree Cedar, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, allowing for a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of responsiveness and key feedback.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a layer of enjoyment to the typing experience. This audible feedback can enliven your keystrokes, making it more engaging, particularly for those who appreciate pronounced acoustics while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch presents a fairly muted sound profile, designed to suit a quiet office environment. Its subtle entrance makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to minimize noise without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of keystrokes. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the overall noise levels will also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar excels with characteristics such as being snappy and polished. This means that users can expect a reactive and responsive typing experience, bolstered by smooth key travel that can enhance overall performance. On the flip side, the Gateron Mini i switch features a bouncy feel coupled with easy-to-press action. This makes it exceptionally comfortable for longer typing sessions while offering a very mild tactile feedback that suits a broad audience. The Gateron Mini i also has a subtle, stepped feel, providing gentle resistance without overwhelming the user, striking a careful balance between response and comfort during usage.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Mini i switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is better for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a polished and snappy feel, while the Mini i serves as a quiet and comfortable option with gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, your experience will depend on your personal preferences and the associated equipment, but either choice promises a unique typing experience tailored to different needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering your next mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to weigh your specific needs and preferences carefully. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a polished feel and a snappy response. Its somewhat unknown bottom-out force suggests a unique, perhaps lighter feel that may serve gamers and heavy typists looking for a reliable and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you work in an office environment or value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is the way to go. With its gentle actuation and bouncy feel, this switch is designed for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while providing a subtle and enjoyable tactile experience. The Mini i's muted sound profile also ensures you can type comfortably in shared spaces without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the environments in which you use your keyboard, leading you to select the switch that best aligns with your unique style and requirements.
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