Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that cater to enthusiasts and casual users alike are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Haimu Neo White. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch from Gateron’s sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. It represents a cost-effective choice for those who enjoy a classic linear feel without compromising on quality. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White features a medium weight and a slightly reduced total travel, offering a unique typing sensation characterized by its remarkably smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Everfree Cedar appeals to those seeking reliability and sound feedback in their keystrokes, the Neo White attracts users looking for a distinct balance and refined smoothness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Haimu Neo White, one striking similarity lies in their top housings, both of which are constructed from polycarbonate. This shared composition means that both switches will produce a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, stemming from polycarbonate's stiffer and more resonant nature. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for gamers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics in their setups. The clarity of sound and light diffusion capabilities provided by the polycarbonate material create a standardization in the auditory and visual experience of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the EF Cedar and the Neo White utilize nylon, which significantly influences their sound profiles. Nylon is characterized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder counterparts. This peculiarity provides an overall warmer sound, enriching the typing experience. As both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent and rounded auditory feedback when typing, resulting in a satisfying keystroke that many users appreciate.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates a balanced auditory experience, with each material contributing its unique attributes. The crisp highs from the polycarbonate top complement the deeper lows produced by the nylon base, resulting in an evenly articulated sound profile. This similarity in materials ensures that while the overall character of each switch may have subtle differences due to design or actuation force, users can anticipate a harmonized typing experience regardless of choice. Thus, whether one opts for the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar or the Haimu Neo White, they can enjoy the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials converging to create engaging auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find notable differences in their characteristics. The Everfree Cedar has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, making it a relatively light option that may appeal to users seeking comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, while the actuation force for the Neo White is unknown, it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium weight that may provide a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Since the Everfree's bottom out force is not provided, we cannot directly compare it to the Neo White's value. However, it's clear that the Neo White might deliver a heavier overall experience due to its known bottom out force. If the actuation force were similar for both switches, users could expect comparable performance; however, given the current data, it's evident that the Everfree Cedar is the lighter option, while the Haimu Neo White leans toward a heavier feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key. This identical travel distance allows for comparable tactile feedback and response during typing or gaming, resulting in a consistent feel across both switches. Because the travel distances are equal, users can expect a similar performance in terms of keypress depth and actuation. Overall, neither switch stands out in terms of travel distance, emphasizing the user’s preference for other characteristics like sound, feel, or overall build quality when choosing between them.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy quality that enhances the auditory experience during typing. While not excessively loud, this sound gives a pleasing feedback that many users find enjoyable, particularly when engaged in intensive typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White offers a more neutral sound, providing a moderate auditory experience that is neither overly pronounced nor too quiet. This makes the Neo White a versatile choice for various environments, suitable for both home use and office settings, where a balanced sound can be appreciated by all.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers smooth, reliable performance that emphasizes a consistent typing experience. This switch type is constructed using Gateron’s proprietary mold, ensuring durability and responsiveness with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White provides a distinct typing feel thanks to its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel. The incorporation of a Ly stem contributes to an exceptionally smooth actuation, resulting in a typing experience that is both gentle and satisfying. While the Everfree Cedar focuses on reliability, the Neo White is more about achieving a pleasant balance that can appeal to a broad audience.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Haimu Neo White linear switches deliver enjoyable experiences, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Everfree Cedar provides a lively, poppy sound coupled with a reliable feel, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback and consistency. Meanwhile, the Neo White offers a neutral sound and a mild tactile experience, making it a versatile option for users who prefer a more approachable and balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but either option promises a satisfying mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and reliable performance with a cost-effective option, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its poppy sound profile may appeal to users who enjoy a distinct auditory feedback without being overly noisy, making it suitable for a range of environments, especially if you prefer a more tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself favoring a medium actuation force with slightly reduced travel and a unique typing feel, the Neo White might be the better fit for you. With its distinct smooth actuation and neutral sound profile, it accommodates both beginners and advanced users, making it versatile enough for home or office settings. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound under your fingers—whether you want something more laid-back and gentle like the Everfree Cedar or something that strikes a balance in actuation and response like the Neo White.
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