Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Mountain Top present two intriguing options, each with unique features catering to different preferences and environments. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a poppy sound profile that enhances the tactile experience—making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Mountain Top switches are engineered with office settings in mind, providing a quiet typing experience without sacrificing comfort or responsiveness. These switches strike a balance between discretion and performance, making them ideal for those who work in shared spaces. While the Everfree Cedar excels with its snappy feedback and polished feel, the Mountain Top stands out for its subtlety and ease of use in professional environments. 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
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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron Mountain Top switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which directly impacts their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency. This material enhances the switch's sound profile by producing a sharper and crisper auditory response. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting setups, as light can easily pass through, creating an aesthetically pleasing glow. In contrast, the Mountain Top showcases a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer composition that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the Everfree’s more pronounced sound.
The bottom housings of both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Mountain Top switches are identical, as they both utilize nylon material. This similarity means that the deeper, fuller sound profile attributed to nylon is present in both switches during typing. The nylon bottom housing absorbs excess sound, leading to a consistent, duller tone as compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top of the Everfree (EF) Cedar. This aligned bottom housing material contributes to a cohesive typing experience across both switches; however, the auditory differences are made evident through their distinct top housing materials.
In summary, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Mountain Top switches share similar sound characteristics in their nylon bottom housings, the variations in their top housing compositions create notably different typing experiences. The crisp and bright profile of the Everfree (EF) Cedar's polycarbonate upper contrasts sharply with the Mountain Top's softer, rounder nylon upper. This divergence in top materials means that users can expect varied auditory feedback upon release with the Everfree, while the Mountain Top will provide a more subdued return sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual sound preferences and desired tactile feedback during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams, which may appeal to those seeking a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, while the Mountain Top has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown. This means that if you want a switch that provides a lighter feel, the Mountain Top is the clear winner, while the Everfree's heavier actuation force may cater to those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing. Overall, these differences highlight the choice between a lighter switch and one with a greater actuation force depending on user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the EF Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Everfree Cedar offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top, with its shorter travel distance, could be advantageous for gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the Mountain Top would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional feel might favor the Everfree Cedar. Overall, while both switches have their unique appeal depending on individual preferences, the EF Cedar stands out with its longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Mountain Top 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 has a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory feedback to the typing experience. This makes it enjoyable for personal use or for environments where sound can be appreciated. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are engineered with a focus on discretion, providing a quiet yet not completely silent experience, perfectly catering to office environments where minimal noise is preferred. The Mountain Top's sound signature leans more towards neutrality, making it suitable for various settings without being overly intrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a snappy and polished typing experience. With its super responsive design and a smooth, refined finish, it delivers an exhilarating tactile interaction that enhances typing pleasure. Conversely, the Mountain Top switches present a bouncy and easy-to-press nature while still retaining a snappy quality. This means that the Mountain Top's feedback is both lively and gentle, making the keys feel effortless to actuate, which is especially beneficial during long typing sessions. While the Mountain Top might not feel as polished, its combination of bounciness and light resistance creates a uniquely comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Mountain Top linear switches have their distinct characteristics, they fulfill different needs. The Everfree switches provide a more poppy sound and a polished feel that caters to those who enjoy auditory feedback, whereas the Mountain Top prioritizes subtlety in sound with a focus on ease of use, making it ideal for office settings. Depending on your preferences between sound and feel, either switch could be a suitable choice, allowing you to create a personalized typing experience based on your environment and usage style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch should be guided by your specific typing needs and preferences. If you desire a highly responsive and smooth typing experience with a light sound profile, the Everfree Cedar switch is an excellent option, especially for those who appreciate a snappy feedback and polished feel in their keystrokes. This makes it suitable for gaming or a personalized home office setup where you want to enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, if your intention is to create an unobtrusive typing environment, such as in an open office or shared space, the Mountain Top switch is better suited for you. Its quiet operation and easy-to-press feel facilitate comfortable extended typing sessions, while the subtle feedback ensures that you don't disturb those around you. Ultimately, your selection hinges on whether you prioritize enhanced auditory and tactile feedback or a discreet and gentle typing experience.
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