Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is lauded for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is both appealing and cost-effective for users seeking quality without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch embodies a classic linear feel, benefiting from Cherry's advanced Hyperglide tooling, which delivers a notably smooth texture and a familiar deep sound profile that many typists appreciate. While the Everfree (EF) Cedar caters to those who enjoy a lively feedback with every keystroke, the Cherry MX Black is ideal for individuals who prefer a more substantial and textured typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch and the Cherry MX Black, key differences emerge that significantly affect their acoustic properties. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it especially effective for RGB setups where lighting can showcase the translucency of the material. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, leading to a rounder, more muted acoustic experience. Consequently, while both switches exhibit distinctive sound qualities due to their top housing materials, the EF Cedar’s polycarbonate is geared towards a brighter aesthetic, whereas the MX Black’s nylon aims for warmth and depth.
The bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, which contributes an essential layer to their sound profiles and overall typing feel. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing results in similar characteristics for both models in terms of producing a deep and full sound profile. As a well-established material in switch design, nylon's sound absorption properties ensure that both switches create a more muted sound when bottomed out. This similarity in their bottom housing suggests that both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Black will share common ground in providing a subdued experience on keypresses, focusing on the depth and warmth of the keystroke itself.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of different top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom housing means that typing experiences between the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Black will have distinct textures. While the MX Black will produce a consistently deeper sound due to its nylon top, the Everfree will allow users to enjoy a sharper reverb upon release due to its polycarbonate upper. Thus, for those who appreciate a clear auditory response when releasing keys, the Everfree Cedar will excel, while the MX Black will satisfy users looking for a full, rich sound landscape. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preference for sound profile and tactile feedback, making both suitable yet unique options in the realm of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom-out force emerge. The Everfree Cedar has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Cherry MX Black has a 60-gram actuation force, making the latter the heavier option. This difference means that users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions might prefer the Everfree Cedar, as it may reduce finger fatigue. However, the Everfree Cedar's bottom-out force is unknown, while the Cherry MX Black has a bottom-out force of 80 grams, which is relatively heavy. This indicates that the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel. Thus, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the Everfree Cedar leans towards being lighter and potentially less tiring, whereas the Cherry MX Black offers a more robust resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it's clear that there is a notable difference between the two. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Gateron switch the shorter option, ideal for users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, users looking for quicker feedback might lean towards the Everfree Cedar, whereas those who enjoy a deeper key travel could find the MX Black more satisfying.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is likely to add a playful character to your typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound, often described as deep and mellow, giving it a more subdued and bass-heavy tone. The choice of keyboard and keycaps will also influence the overall acoustic properties of both switches, but the distinct tonal qualities will appeal to different preferences between those who enjoy a lively pop and those who favor a resonant thump.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch provides a smooth and reliable performance that ensures an enjoyable typing experience, though specific descriptors weren't provided for its tactile characteristics. The Cherry MX Black switch, however, is noted for its textured and stiff feel, requiring a greater amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. This presents a noticeable friction during use, which some typists may find satisfying, while others might prefer the effortless glide and lack of resistance offered by the Everfree Cedar.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Black switches have their unique personalities and cater to different tactile and auditory preferences. With the Cedar offering a poppy sound and smooth feel, it contrasts with the deeper sound and textured, stiff feel of the MX Black. Depending on your priorities—whether you lean towards a more vibrant auditory experience or favor the subdued resonance with a firmer typing feel—either switch may serve you well. Ultimately, you will have to take into account your own preferences and typing style to decide which will be the best addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Cherry MX Black linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenario. If you seek a budget-friendly option that provides smooth and reliable performance without overwhelming actuation force, the Everfree Cedar might be the right fit for you. Its lightweight feel offers a more forgiving experience, particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or if you're new to mechanical keyboards and desire a gentle learning curve. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press and enjoy the satisfying resistance offered by heavy switches, the Cherry MX Black is worth considering. Its textured sound profile and higher bottom-out force can provide a sense of tactile feedback that is appealing for many typists and gamers who enjoy a sturdier keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and the type of experience you want from your keyboard, whether that’s the smoothness of the Everfree Cedar or the defined, robust feel of the MX Black.
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