Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts will find themselves navigating two distinct experiences molded by the switches' inherent characteristics. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch from Gateron’s economically-minded sub-brand, is renowned for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile that many typists and gamers appreciate for its uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch presents a tactile experience with its all-POM housing and medium weight, providing pronounced feedback with every press. The unique design and long pole stem of the Olive deliver a crisp bottom-out and a deep, resonant sound, making each keypress feel invigorating and snappy. While those favoring a seamless typing experience may gravitate toward the Everfree Cedar, the tactile response of the Olive could appeal to users looking for a more engaging interaction. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches with the Bsun Olive switches, an interesting distinction arises from the materials used in their housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, which results in a sharper, more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Olive switch utilizes a polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound characteristics is crucial—while the Everfree Cedar has a brighter auditory output enhanced by RGB lighting capability, the Olive's POM material dampens sound, providing a more subdued and rich acoustic experience.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches, the comparison reveals that both utilize materials conducive to a deeper sound profile, but their characteristics differ slightly. The Everfree (EF) Cedar employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is softer and absorbs sound well, resulting in a full, rounded sound. On the other hand, the Olive also uses POM for its bottom housing, known for creating a unique and pleasing sound experience, albeit with a generally quieter output. This similarity in deeper sound construction suggests that impacts felt during typing will share a level of fullness and roundness, providing a comfortable experience across both switches while also emphasizing the variations in the overall sound profile determined by the stark contrast in their top housings.
In the overall context of sound and tactile feedback, the architectural design of both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Olive highlights the effects of their respective materials. While the different top housing materials shape the sound signature when the key is pressed or released, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the switch's bottom-out feel and sound. Therefore, despite their differing top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POM—the switches can yield a similar satisfying experience due to their respective nylon and POM bottom housings. Consequently, users can expect a comfortable typing experience regardless of the level of sound modulation, provided by the different top materials, with the shared principles of sound absorption and resonance apparent in their design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree (EF) Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Olive is lighter at 45 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially for extended use during work or gaming sessions, the Olive switch is the more suitable option. However, the Olive switch also features a bottom-out force of 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial feel when fully depressing the key. In contrast, the bottom-out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in this comparison. Nevertheless, given the available data, we can conclude that the Bsun Olive switch is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while users seeking a heavier push feel may lean towards the Everfree Cedar, assuming its bottom-out force aligns with a generally firmer expectation for linear switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we find that the Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Olive switch may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking rapid feedback during gameplay. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Cedar switch may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press, making it feel less abrupt. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Bsun Olive would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Everfree Cedar would be more suited for users desiring a richer typing 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Everfree (EF) Cedar switches deliver a satisfying and poppy sound profile that is characteristic of Gateron switches, making them pleasant for both typing and gaming. The auditory feedback is smooth, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches produce a resonant and deep sound, which is quite distinct due to their all-POM housings. This rich sound adds a layer of auditory texture that can be very enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory interaction with their keyboard. Both switches generally offer satisfying acoustics, but the nature of their sounds differs, with Everfree leaning towards a punchy quality and the Olives offering a more substantial resonance.
Feel-wise, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are designed for a smooth travel with a consistent actuation force, making them ideal for users who prefer a linear switch type without tactile bumps. This smoothness allows for swift keypresses and is particularly favored by typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches are characterized by their medium tactile feedback which strikes a balance—neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. They offer an invigorating typing experience with their pronounced tactile bumps, providing users with responsive and snappy feedback. This tactile design not only ensures users feel each keystroke distinctly, but it also contributes to a more engaging typing dynamic compared to the linearity of the Everfree switches.
In summary, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Olive switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, their character differs notably in both sound and feel. The Everfree switches provide a smooth and poppy auditory feedback alongside a linear feel preferred for fast typing or gaming. Meanwhile, the Bsun Olive switches captivate with their deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, creating an immersive and invigorating experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer the smoothness of linear switches or the engaging tactility of a medium tactile switch.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch really depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you are looking for a smooth and consistent feel while typing, with a sound profile that is satisfying but not overly pronounced, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable if you value a quieter workspace or prefer a more linear typing style where you can glide effortlessly from key to key. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and an engaging, resonant auditory experience, the Bsun Olive switch would be a better fit. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and prominent tactile bump offer a more immersive sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy the physicality of each keystroke and want to enhance their typing accuracy. Ultimately, consider how you type and the environment in which you work to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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