Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Orange offer distinct choices for users seeking linear switch options. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective pick for gamers and typists alike. Its proprietary mold delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a touch of auditory pleasure to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, a revival of the original MX Orange switches, incorporates enhancements from the MX2A generation to meet modern demands while retaining the reliable feel that Cherry switches are known for. While both switches are linear, appealing to those who prefer minimal resistance during keystrokes, they differ in sound and manufacturing pedigree, potentially affecting your overall 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Everfree Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more resonant sound when the key is pressed or released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the inherent softer nature of nylon. The distinction in materials suggests that users seeking a more vibrant and pronounced auditory feedback might prefer the Everfree Cedar, while those desiring a more subdued and rounded sound might gravitate toward the MX Orange.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a commonality that influences the overall character of the switches. The nylon bottom in both the Everfree Cedar and Cherry MX Orange contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, reinforcing similar acoustic qualities when the switches are bottomed out. This shared material allows for a consistent typing feel and sound profile upon actuation, making the experience of bottoming out somewhat analogous across both switches. Thus, users can expect a richer tonal depth whenever either switch is fully pressed down, regardless of the differences present in the top housing.
When considering the interaction between the top and bottom housings, one will discover that the dual-material design of both switches results in a varied auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Everfree Cedar enhances the sound when releasing the key, producing a crisper note that contrasts with the fuller sound of its nylon bottom when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the MX Orange’s nylon top yields a more consistent sound profile throughout the keypress, maintaining that deep quality regardless of whether the key is pressed down or released. Therefore, while the Everfree Cedar and Cherry MX Orange demonstrate variations in their top housings, both switches leverage the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings to create a blended, harmonious typing experience.
Weight
Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch share the same actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar effort required to trigger a keystroke with either switch. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unavailable, preventing a precise comparison in that regard. However, given their equal actuation forces, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of feel and responsiveness. The Everfree switch is positioned as a balanced option for those who favor a typing experience that does not compromise on effort. Conversely, while it is unclear how their bottom out forces differ, having an actuation force of 55 grams makes them both suitable for moderate typing and gaming sessions. Overall, both switches cater to users looking for a consistent and engaging input experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that the Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker keypress responses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange offers a more traditional travel distance that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, as its 4.0 mm travel allows for a deeper, more cushioned feel. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the better option, while the Cherry MX Orange will appeal to those who favor a more substantial keypress.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 is known for delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a bit of character to your typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, while reviving the classic lineage of the original MX Orange, is known for its refined sound qualities achieved through the enhancements of the MX2A generation. The distinct auditory experiences of these switches can greatly depend on other factors such as the keyboard design and the keycaps used, but both have their unique charm.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, which is a hallmark of Gateron's switches and makes typing a pleasant experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange switch also emphasizes a smooth linear action with improvements that cater to a more modern typing feel, likely making it similarly enjoyable for users looking for a seamless experience. Both switches likely provide a comparable level of satisfaction for users who appreciate linear switches.
Considering the overall characteristics of both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Orange switches, enthusiasts can expect similar sound and feel experiences, with the Cedar offering a unique pop and the MX Orange riding on the esteemed legacy of its predecessors. Both switches are designed to deliver smooth performance but cater to slightly different auditory preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard being used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize smooth and reliable performance coupled with an engaging sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, especially considering its cost-effectiveness. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more satisfying typing experience without a hefty price tag, making it ideal for casual use, gaming, or even office work where long typing sessions occur. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines nostalgia with modern enhancements, the Cherry MX Orange could be your better option. Its reissued version captures the essence of the original MX Orange switches while offering improved performance, making it suitable for those who might be familiar with the older switches or prefer a bit more depth in tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs—whether that’s performance, sound, and feel or a blend of traditional appeal with modern reliability.
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