Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, and two compelling options are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry Nixie. The EF Cedar is praised for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a snappy and polished typing experience that is budget-friendly without compromising quality. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking responsiveness and an enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie stands out as a beloved classic in the keyboard community, providing a substantial heft and a textured typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish. With updated materials from Cherry's MX2A configuration, these switches combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile and thocky feel. Both switches have their unique advantages, yet the best choice will ultimately hinge on your specific typing preferences and needs. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry Nixie switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of their housing materials, particularly with their top housings. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material also enhances the aesthetics of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, as its translucency allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie's top housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s softer properties contribute to sound absorption, leading to a duller yet rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the Everfree Cedar may deliver a more vibrant sound, the Nixie's sound profile opts for warmth and richness, illustrating how the differing top housing materials significantly influence the overall auditory experience.
Both switches, however, feature nylon bottom housings that will resonate similarly in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon used in the bottom housing of both the Everfree Cedar and the Nixie ensures a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile, as the material absorbs sound effectively, dampening the sharper tones and providing a balanced auditory result. This aspect means that regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom housing's consistent material choice unifies their overall sound signature to an extent. When typing on either switch, one can expect a similar feel and sound when bottoming out, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the tactile experience.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profile between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cherry Nixie switches primarily arise from their respective top housing materials. When typing, the impact of the polycarbonate top in the Everfree Cedar leads to a snappier release, whereas the nylon top in the Nixie yields a more mellow sound upon release. However, both switches share the same nylon composition for their bottom housings, which promotes a fuller sound when the switch is pressed down. Consequently, while the auditory and tactile experiences will diverge at the top, the consistent bottom housing material offers a common ground, allowing users to appreciate varying sound profiles based on personal preference while enjoying a unified base feel.
Weight
When examining the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch in comparison to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it the lighter option, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where reduced finger fatigue is a concern. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie features a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams, catering to users who prefer a heftier typing experience. The bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, while the Nixie has a substantial bottom out force of 80 grams, further emphasizing its heavier and firmer feel when pressed fully down. Therefore, while the Everfree Cedar might offer a lighter actuation experience, the Nixie presents a more robust force profile, appealing to those who desire a stronger tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Nixie switch offers a more traditional and deeper experience when pressed, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar may be more favorable for gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times, allowing for rapid key presses without feeling overly abrupt. Thus, if you prefer a more immediate reaction in your typing or gaming experience, the Everfree switch would be the better option, while the Nixie caters to those who enjoy a more substantial key travel.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 offers a satisfying and poppy profile that is likely to please users looking for a more vibrant acoustic experience. However, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its deep, rich thocky sound, characterized by a profound thud that resonates when keys are pressed and released, creating an engaging auditory feedback. While both switches can produce a pleasing sound, the Nixie’s thocky signature may appeal more to those who enjoy a deeper acoustic profile, whereas the Cedar’s poppy tone provides a livelier response. It’s important to note that the sound you perceive can also be influenced by your keyboard build and keycap choice.
When considering feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch stands out with its snappy responsiveness and polished smoothness. Users can expect a lively typing experience due to its dual-staged springs and factory lubing that reduces friction, allowing for seamless key travel. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch features a more textured feel, which can add a unique character to each keystroke. This texture is marked by a noticeable friction, a quality loved by those who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, while the Cedar offers a fluid, slick experience, the Nixie presents a more tactile, engaging sensation that some users may favor.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Cherry Nixie linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cedar’s poppy sound and polished, snappy feel cater to users seeking a lively typing environment, whereas the Nixie’s thocky sound along with its textured feedback may attract those who appreciate a deeper acoustic profile and tactile engagement. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, as each offers a unique take on linear switch performance that can satisfy different typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smoother, more responsive typing experience and appreciate the poppy sound profile without a heavy actuation force, the Everfree Cedar is likely the better choice for you. These switches offer a snappy and polished feel, ideal for fast typists or gamers who thrive on precision and agility. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and textured typing experience, coupled with the comforting, thocky sound that is characteristic of Cherry switches, then the Nixie may be the way to go. With their heftier bottom-out force, these switches cater to those who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing, adding a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the smoothness and responsiveness of the Everfree Cedar or the weighty and textured feedback of the Nixie—before making your final decision.
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