Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role, particularly between options like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Everfree Cedar, classified as a linear switch, offers a smooth and reliable performance that appeals to gamers and typists alike with its snappy feel and polished sound profile. This cost-effective option is perfect for those who favor uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing with minimal distraction. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that brings a sharp, pronounced tactile bump to each keystroke, delivering a unique typing experience that is both satisfying and impactful. With its PBT housing and accentuated bottom-out, this switch excels for users who enjoy a more dynamic and engaged typing experience, especially in scenarios that benefit from tactile feedback. While both switches offer distinct advantages, the ultimate choice depends on individual needs and preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, impacting their overall acoustic signatures. The EF Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's rigidity, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switch is actuated and released. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, which tends to yield a more neutral sound profile—a balance between crispness and dullness. The intrinsic qualities of PBT lead to a sound that is subdued and less pronounced compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housing of these two switches reveals another layer of acoustic differentiation. The EF Cedar's nylon bottom housing provides a softer, deeper sound profile that absorbs sound waves more effectively due to its material properties. This results in a fuller, rounder auditory experience, particularly noticeable when bottoming out the switch. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs PBT for its bottom housing as well, which offers a sound profile that is similarly neutral but less absorbing than nylon. Consequently, both switches will deliver a sound that lacks harshness; however, the character and depth of the sound will differ due to the nylon’s damping effect in the EF Cedar.
When considering the impact of these differing materials on performance, the combination of top and bottom housings in each switch creates an interplay between their respective properties. For the EF Cedar, the sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing contrasts with the depth provided by the nylon bottom housing, eliciting a more pronounced acoustic experience—crisp on release and deep on bottoming out. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will produce a more uniform sound profile, with both top and bottom housing contributing to a balanced neutral tone. Thus, while both switches aim for satisfying auditory feedback and tactile feel, the way these distinct materials converge creates unique identities for each, influencing user experience irrespective of their similar neutral tendencies.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Moyu Black's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Cedar more suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force remains unknown, while the Moyu Black’s bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This difference suggests that even though the actuation forces are close, the Moyu Black provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Consequently, those who prioritize lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions might prefer the Moyu Black, whereas users seeking a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes may lean towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar if its bottom out force is compatible with their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user preference based on the desired typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Everfree (EF) Cedar allows for quicker key presses, making it appealing to gamers who prioritize responsiveness, as shorter distances can lead to faster actuation. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that may be favored by those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial press for typing purposes. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar would be the better option, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would suit those who prefer a richer depth in their key actuation.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 yet distinct auditory experience characterized by its poppy sound profile. This tactile feedback contributes to a pleasant sound without being overly loud, making it suitable for office environments or quieter settings. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a resonant sound profile that is higher-pitched and clean, creating a more immersive auditory experience. The Moyu Blacks produce a sharp and punchy sound with each keystroke, especially owing to their strong downstroke tactile bump. Nevertheless, the overall sound experience will also depend on the type of switch plate and keycaps used in conjunction with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches provide a snappy response that is both polished and smooth. This results from their design, which promotes a lively typing experience with reduced friction, ensuring that each keypress is comfortable and efficient. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade), on the other hand, offers a unique tactile definition with its sharp tactile bump and an accented feedback sensation that gives it a medium-level tactility without becoming overwhelming. The Moyu's design emphasizes a strong tactile response both on the downstroke and upstroke, offering an engaging and distinctive feel that heightens the typing experience.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Everfree Cedar tends to excel in delivering a smooth, polished experience paired with a relatively pleasant sound profile, making it suitable for users who prioritize comfort and reduced noise. Conversely, the Moyu Black shines with its sharp and pronounced tactile feedback, offering a more engaging typing experience with a punchier sound. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on your personal typing preferences, whether you value smoother action or pronounced tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Everfree Cedar may be the ideal choice for you. Its snappy and polished characteristics ensure a responsive feel, making it suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, if you enjoy the sensation of a pronounced bump with each keypress and appreciate a more tactile feedback, the Moyu Black is likely a better fit. With its sharp, accented feel and a strong tactile response, this switch provides an engaging experience, which can be particularly satisfying for those who do a lot of writing or programming. So, depending on whether you prefer a linear switch that emphasizes speed and smoothness or a tactile switch that heightens your keystroke awareness, each switch serves a distinct purpose tailored to your personal typing style.
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