Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Brown represent two distinct philosophies in design and user experience. The Everfree Cedar, known for its smooth and reliable linear action, offers a cost-effective option with a satisfying poppy sound profile that emphasizes a fluid typing experience, making it ideal for gamers or typists who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their subtlety, providing a tactile feedback that is gentle and understated—perfect for those who appreciate a more nuanced response while typing. The MX Brown’s textured feel and low-pitched audio feedback can enhance typing comfort, reflecting a balance between performance and noise level that many users find appealing. Each switch has its own merits, catering to different preferences and use cases. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their differing top housing materials. The Everfree Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This results from polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound when keys are pressed. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and visual effects of the keyboard. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown's top housing is crafted from nylon, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer nature leads to greater sound absorption, yielding a duller and rounder sound that caters to users seeking a more muted auditory experience.
Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similar acoustic features among the two. The nylon material used in both the Everfree Cedar and MX Brown enhances sound absorption, contributing to the overall feel and impact of each switch when pressed. This shared characteristic allows both switches to deliver a deeper and more muted sound during typing. However, the divergent top housing materials create a contrast in auditory profiles when the keys are released—while the Everfree Cedar’s polycarbonate top generates a more resonant sound, the MX Brown’s nylon housing contributes to a softer, less pronounced sound. Therefore, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings and thus share certain sound properties, their overall auditory experiences diverge primarily due to their distinct top housing materials.
In practical use, the synergy between the top and bottom housing materials is critical for determining the switches’ sound and tactile feedback. When pressing down on either switch, the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing dominate the pressing experience, providing a consistent bottom-out sensation. Conversely, the sound profile that emerges when releasing the key is influenced more significantly by the top housing material. Thus, while users may find similar auditory results during the actuation of each switch, the Everfree Cedar and MX Brown must be chosen based on specific user preferences for sound and response. The choice between the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller, deeper tone of nylon twofold emphasizes the importance of material selection in the realm of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the actuation force and potential bottom out force present distinct characteristics. The Everfree Cedar has a notable actuation force of 55 grams, which leans towards the heavier side, making it require more effort to press than the Cherry MX Brown, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with the Cedar switch. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is not provided, making a direct comparison difficult; the MX Brown, on the other hand, has a clearly defined bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Brown due to its lower actuation force, while users desiring a stronger push feel could favor the Gateron Everfree Cedar despite the lack of bottom out information.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there is a clear distinction: the Everfree switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a snappier response from their switches. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown offers a more traditional and hearty depth with its longer travel distance, catering to users who find shorter travel distances too abrupt for their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch delivers a satisfying and poppy audio profile, making it an engaging choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced key press sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, characterized by a deeper, richer tone during key presses. The subdued audio feedback of the MX Brown provides a more understated auditory experience compared to the livelier sounds of the Everfree Cedar. However, it's important to remember that sound can be influenced by the keyboard's build, keycaps, and other factors, so users may experience varied audio profiles regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a seamless typing experience that many find appealing in a linear switch. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown has tactile bumps that can introduce a sense of textured feedback. This textured feel, which some may find provides desirable friction when typing, can vary in perception among users who either appreciate or dislike the tactile presence. While the Everfree Cedar may be preferred for uninterrupted keystrokes, the tactile nature of the MX Brown can add an extra layer of engagement during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Brown switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Everfree Cedar's poppy sound and smooth typing experience contrast with the MX Brown's bassy audio and textured tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences, users may find satisfaction in either option. If one desires a quieter and more linear feel, the Everfree Cedar will excel, while those who appreciate tactile feedback with more pronounced sound can gravitate towards the Cherry MX Brown. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual typing style and auditory preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a smooth and consistent keystroke without the distraction of added feedback, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent fit. Its linear design allows for seamless keypresses, making it ideal if you engage in fast-paced typing or gaming, where smooth operation is key. Additionally, if you appreciate a quieter typing experience and the satisfying, poppy sound profile it offers, the Cedar switches will serve you well as a cost-effective solution. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile experience that provides subtle feedback with each keypress, the MX Brown is the way to go. Its medium-light force requirement and gentle tactile bump cater to those who enjoy a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for general typing and gaming alike. In terms of sound, the deeper, bassy audio of the MX Brown may appeal to those looking for a richer auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the balance you wish to strike between speed, comfort, and feedback.
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