Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. Two compelling options are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Speed Silver, both linear switches that cater to different needs. The Everfree Cedar, a product of Gateron's budget-friendly sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that appeals to users seeking an enjoyable typing experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is engineered for speed and precision, boasting lower spring resistance and full-height design, making it a top choice for competitive gamers where rapid response times are crucial. While the Everfree Cedar shines in its cost-effectiveness and auditory satisfaction, the MX Speed Silver stands out for its ability to facilitate quick and direct keystrokes in high-pressure scenarios. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver offer distinct sound profiles primarily due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Everfree Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its high stiffness and translucency. This material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing, enhancing the actuation and release of keys. Furthermore, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting in their keyboards, as the illumination can shine through, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual effect. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver employs a nylon top housing. This material is softer and less rigid, contributing to a deeper and more rounded sound profile, which can create a more muted and absorbing experience when typing.
Despite the contrasting qualities of the top housings, the bottom housings of both switches share a commonality. The Everfree Cedar and the MX Speed Silver both feature a nylon bottom housing, which is often associated with a fuller sound. This shared characteristic means that both switches will provide a deeper auditory experience due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials. As a result, the overall acoustic experience of the switches might converge somewhat at the bottom end, where the impact of the bottom housing becomes more prominent. When pressed down, users can expect a similar fullness from both switches due to this nylon construction.
In conclusion, while the Everfree EF Cedar and Cherry MX Speed Silver may share similarities in their bottom housing, the true differentiation lies within their top housing materials. The polycarbonate of the Everfree Cedar allows for a brighter and more resonant sound, while the nylon top of the Speed Silver dampens sound for a rounder experience. Ultimately, users looking for specific auditory feedback and typing experiences will find that the choice of top housing material—polycarbonate versus nylon—plays a significant role in determining the overall feel and sound output of each switch. However, when considering the bottom housings, both switches provide a solid foundation for deeper sound profiles, allowing for a balanced experience across the board.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the actuation forces differ, with the Everfree Cedar requiring a force of 55 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the MX Speed Silver. This makes the Cherry MX Speed Silver the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches, however, have unknown bottom out forces, meaning we cannot directly compare the resistance felt when pressing the switch all the way down. For users who favor a heavier switch for a more substantial typing feel, the Everfree Cedar is the better choice, while the lighter MX Speed Silver caters to those seeking a less strenuous experience. Overall, the distinct actuation forces suggest that the Everfree Cedar may provide a firmer push, whereas the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Everfree switch offers a more pronounced tactile experience with its longer travel, making it potentially more satisfying for those who prefer depth in their key presses. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's shorter travel distance may cater better to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference; if you enjoy a deeper key feel, the Everfree Cedar would be more suitable, whereas those looking for a snappier experience might prefer the MX Speed Silver.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying and poppy sound profile, which contributes to its overall appeal as a smooth and reliable option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a deeper, thocky sound characterized by a low-pitched resonance that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. This results in a rich thud, lending a sense of richness to each key press that many users find enjoyable. While both switches focus on providing a pleasant acoustic experience, the Everfree's lighter, poppy sound stands in contrast to the deeper, bass-heavy tones of the Speed Silver. However, the actual sound experience will still depend on the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which can further influence the overall acoustic characteristics.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver exhibits texture, leading to a slightly more scratchy feeling when pressed. This texture can provide a distinct tactile sensation that some users appreciate for its feedback, while others may prefer the seamless smoothness of the Everfree switch. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Everfree Cedar offers a premium experience through its smooth action, while the Speed Silver may suit those who enjoy a bit of texture in their key presses.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Everfree Cedar provides a light and poppy sound along with a smooth tactile experience, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday use, while the MX Speed Silver caters to gamers with its thocky sound and textured feel designed for rapid response times. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering enjoyable typing experiences despite their differences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch chiefly depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a smooth and reliable performance with a satisfying sound profile at a more budget-friendly price, the Everfree Cedar could be your go-to switch. It’s excellent for daily typing, providing a pleasant experience without breaking the bank. However, if you're a gamer seeking rapid responses and one of the fastest switches on the market, then the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the better option. Its design prioritizes speed and efficiency, making it invaluable in high-stakes gaming scenarios where split-second reactions matter. The thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel of the MX Speed Silver can enhance the gaming experience, while the Everfree Cedar caters more to those who appreciate a smooth typing experience without the need for immediate action. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize comfort in everyday use or the speed required for competitive gaming.
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