Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Oil King (V2) both offer compelling options for those who prefer linear switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is well-regarded for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious users who still want a satisfying typing experience, complete with a poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) has earned its reputation among enthusiasts for its exceptionally buttery smoothness and a unique sound profile likened to the delightful snap of dark chocolate. While the Cedar is perfect for those seeking reliability without breaking the bank, the Oil King caters to users who desire a more refined feel and auditory sensation in their typing 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Oil King (V2) present an interesting comparison when it comes to their housing materials, particularly focusing on the top housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate promotes a sharper and higher-pitched auditory experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced sound when using RGB lighting, due to its translucency. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) utilizes nylon for its top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile that is more subdued than the sharper notes of polycarbonate. This divergence in materials results in different auditory sensations: the Everfree produces a crisper sound profile while the Oil King gives a rounder, more muted tone.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals further contrasts and a shared material. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a nylon bottom housing that, like its top counterpart, contributes to a deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This leads to a greater emphasis on the lower tones when the key bottoms out. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which yields a higher-pitched sound that can be described as clacky. Here, the Oil King's blend seeks to combine elements of sharpness with a punchier auditory experience, distinct from the fuller sound that the Everfree’s nylon bottom housing delivers.
When considering the overall performance and sound profiles of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Oil King (V2), the interaction between the materials used in their housings becomes evident. While both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, the differing materials in the top housings create unique auditory experiences. In keypress scenarios, the Everfree's polycarbonate top allows for brighter tones to be released upon key release, while the downward press produces a rich sound from its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Oil King's nylon top softens the sound of release, while the INK blend bottom generates a more pronounced clack when keys bottom out. Thus, while there are shared qualities, the switches ultimately deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and auditory delight.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, both have an actuation force of 55 grams, which means they provide a similar initial resistance when triggering a keystroke. This identical actuation force suggests that users will experience a comparable ease of pressing down on both switches, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Everfree (EF) Cedar's bottom out force is unknown, while the Oil King (V2) has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This indicates that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Oil King (V2) offers a firmer feel when fully depressed, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is likely the lighter option since its bottom out force is not specified but is presumably lower than that of the Oil King (V2). Thus, users seeking a lighter touch may lean towards the Everfree switch, while those who enjoy a heavier and more pronounced feedback from their keystrokes would prefer the Oil King (V2).
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oil King (V2) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that users of the Cedar switch may enjoy a more responsive feel, which could be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) provides a more pronounced depth, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience. If you're looking for speed, the shorter Everfree switch may be your best choice, while if you favor a richer typing sensation, the longer travel of the Oil King would be more suitable. In summary, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the shorter option, whereas the Oil King (V2) is the longer switch.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is characterized by its low-pitched and bassy tones, providing a deeper and richer sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The sound produced by the Oil King is more mellow and adds a layer of depth to each keystroke, making it appealing for users who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches deliver enjoyable sound profiles, the Everfree offers a more vibrant experience, whereas the Oil King leans towards a deeper and warmer sound.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar's attributes remain unspecified, but the Gateron Oil King (V2) is distinguished by its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. The combination of these qualities leads to a smooth and effortless typing sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Users can expect reduced friction and a polished experience with the Oil King switches, making them particularly suited for long typing sessions or gaming. Without specific information on the Everfree Cedar's feel, it’s hard to make a direct comparison, but the Oil King's renowned smoothness sets a high bar for the tactile experience of any linear switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches bring distinct sound and feel qualities to the table. With the Everfree's poppy sound profile contrasting against the Oil King's low-pitched, bassy tones, users seeking auditory satisfaction will have personal preferences based on their typing style. Meanwhile, the Oil King's creamy, silky experience highlights the premium feel that is highly regarded in the mechanical keyboard community. If one is drawn to the characteristics of each switch, it's clear that while the Everfree Cedar may promise similar performance, the Oil King V2 is recognized for its exceptional smoothness and unique sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and intended use. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, with its cost-effective design and reliable performance, is an excellent option if you prioritize a smooth, consistent typing experience without feeling overly heavy during extended typing sessions; it’s well-suited for casual use, typing documents, or general office work. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more premium feel with a distinctive low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Oil King (V2) could be your go-to switch. It offers a buttery smoothness and polished feel that enhances your typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for enthusiasts and gamers who enjoy tactile feedback and a richer acoustic experience. Therefore, consider your primary activities and how each switch aligns with those preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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