Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing users with a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the tactile experience while remaining cost-effective. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the beloved characteristics of the classic MX Red switches but introduces a crucial feature—silent operation. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the rich, thocky feedback that users expect from a linear switch. While both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate linear designs, they serve different needs—whether you're after an engaging auditory experience or a hushed typing session. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 the Cherry MX Silent Red both feature nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its sound-dampening properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller auditory response. This material absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, allowing both switches to provide a rounder sound when the keys are pressed down. The familiarity of nylon as a housing material ensures that users will experience a comfortable and quieter typing experience with both options, particularly favoring those who may be sensitive to noise.
Diverging from their similarities in bottom housing, the two switches exhibit contrasting characteristics through their top housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the acoustic experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. This translucency allows the switch to project light beautifully, making it an excellent choice for visually-oriented setups. In stark contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red employs a nylon top housing, which further absorbs sound and lends a duller tone to its auditory feedback. This difference in materials between the top housings means that the overall sound profile of the Everfree Cedar is more pronounced, while the Silent Red yields a more muted typing experience.
The combination of different top housings fundamentally shapes user experience despite similarities in the bottom housing materials. While both switches benefit from the quiet characteristics of nylon in their lower halves, the Everfree's polycarbonate top will deliver a more resounding acoustic response when key releases occur, allowing for a livelier soundscape. On the other hand, the nylon top of the Cherry MX Silent Red dulls the sound further, offering a more subdued and stealthy typing experience overall. Therefore, while users of both switches can appreciate the muffled sound when pressing down, the auditory feedback upon releasing keys will vary considerably, showing how top and bottom housing materials collectively influence the overall performance of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force. The Everfree Cedar requires a force of 55 grams to register a keystroke, while the Silent Red is lighter, requiring only 45 grams for actuation. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter touch for effortless typing and gaming will likely favor the Cherry MX Silent Red. Both switches lack specified bottom out force values, making direct comparison difficult; however, since the Gateron Everfree's actuation force is heavier, it’s reasonable to infer that its bottom out force may also be greater, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if users are looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be ideal, whereas those who enjoy a firmer feel might lean towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red measures 3.7 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar is the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its slightly longer travel distance, may offer a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a less abrupt feel when typing. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the 0.1 mm difference positions the Everfree Cedar as the choice for those seeking a quicker response, while the Silent Red caters to those desiring a more traditional keystroke experience.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which provides a lively auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. This characteristic might appeal to those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound without being overly loud. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed specifically for quiet environments, featuring a muted and thocky sound profile. It delivers a deep, rich tone when pressed but minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a satisfying yet lively sound, the Everfree Cedar will deliver that, while the MX Silent Red provides a much quieter experience with a satisfying thock for those who prefer a more discreet typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a seamless typing experience that many users enjoy for long typing sessions. Unfortunately, specific descriptors about the switch’s tactile feel weren’t provided, so its exact characteristics in comparison to others remain less defined. The Cherry MX Silent Red, on the other hand, is described as textured, which means users will encounter noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture might work for some who prefer a more tactile experience, while others may find it less enjoyable if they prefer a completely smooth action. Therefore, the two switches cater to different preferences, and the tactile feel may influence long-term typing comfort and satisfaction.
In conclusion, while both Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches cater to distinct user preferences with sound and feel, they provide valuable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Everfree Cedar offers a lively sound profile and smooth action, whereas the Silent Red gives you a quieter yet still satisfying thock with a textured feel. Understanding these qualities will help newcomers choose the switch that best fits their individual typing style and environment. Whether you desire a more engaging sound or a silent yet tactile experience, both options can deliver an enjoyable experience depending on your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a smooth and reliable performance with a satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar switches may be your ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a more tactile feedback in your typing experience. Their cost-effective nature also makes them attractive for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter operation, particularly in noise-sensitive settings such as shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches would serve you better. They maintain the comfort of the classic MX Red feel while providing a muted, thocky sound that balances performance with discretion. Ultimately, if you desire a vibrant sound and tactile feedback, go for the Everfree Cedar; however, if silence and smooth operation are your primary concerns, the MX Silent Red will be your best bet.
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