Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Black stand out as popular linear options, each bringing unique attributes to the table. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, leveraging Gateron's trusted proprietary mold to deliver a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a balance of quality and affordability. In contrast, the Outemu Black, while lacking specific acclaim or distinguishing features, is known for its straightforward linear feel, appealing to users who prioritize a consistent typing experience without extra frills. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cedar offering a more refined auditory experience and the Black providing a solid, no-nonsense option for typing or gaming. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Black switches share a notable commonality in their top housing material: both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The intrinsic properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhance the clarity and resonance of sound produced by the switches, ultimately providing a consistent audio experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate also aligns perfectly with RGB lighting setups, thanks to its ability to allow light to shine through, ensuring that both switches display a vibrant illumination without compromising sound quality.
In contrast to their similar top housing, the bottom housings of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Black are made from nylon, a material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, a notably softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder sound experience when typing. This difference in material affects how each switch feels and sounds during use, particularly impacting how sound is perceived when keys bottom out. While both switches benefit from the clarity of polycarbonate at the top, the nylon construction at the bottom enhances the overall auditory experience by delivering a warmer, more rounded sound.
When considering the overall performance of the two switches, the contrast between the top and bottom housing materials plays a vital role. The polycarbonate top provides sharpness and clarity, particularly noticeable when releasing a key, whereas the nylon bottom imparts a deeper resonance, primarily felt during key presses. Despite their differing characteristics, the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Black together create a well-rounded acoustic experience, balancing bright highs with rich lows. Users can expect similar results in sound quality and aesthetic appeal; however, the nuances in typing feel and sound profile may ultimately sway user preference based on individual tastes in tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams, which indicates a lighter touch compared to the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Everfree more comfortable for prolonged use. However, the bottom-out force for the Cedar switch is unavailable, while the Outemu Black's bottom out force is measured at a hefty 82 grams, making it feel more substantial and requiring more effort to press all the way down. Consequently, while both switches have their unique advantages, the Gateron Everfree presents an easier actuation, suitable for those seeking a softer touch, whereas the Outemu Black caters to those who prefer a heavier, more forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar is the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses and faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial and hearty depth when typing, providing a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. Thus, if you want a switch that facilitates quicker actions, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar is the better choice, whereas the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black offers a more traditional typing experience for those who appreciate a deeper press.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is noted for delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile, offering an auditory experience that can be enjoyable for typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specified sound quality, making it difficult to enthusiastically categorize. However, it's important to remember that sound can also be influenced by the type of keyboard housing and keycaps you choose, meaning that while the Cedar offers a unique acoustic signature, the Black's sound may be more neutral or undefined.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a smooth and reliable performance, which is highly sought after in linear switches. The specific tactile experience is not articulated for the Outemu Black, leaving its feel as an unknown element. In practice, if the Black is a standard linear switch, it may offer a similar smoothness as the Cedar, but without detailed descriptions, there's no definitive comparison to be made.
Overall, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch stands out with its unique auditory characteristics and smooth feel, the Outemu Black lacks specific details for both sound and feel. If you're drawn to a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Cedar could provide a pleasing experience. However, if you're considering the Black, you may end up with a more neutral yet possibly comparable experience, especially if both switches excel in their linear nature. For reliability and enjoyment, the Cedar has a clear edge, but the Blacks might still deliver a serviceable performance, depending on personal preference and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you value a smooth, reliable performance with a light, satisfying feedback and a poppy sound profile, then the Everfree Cedar would be your optimal choice. Its gentle actuation force makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions, where you want to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying the tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier feel and a more robust typing feedback, the Outemu Black is your go-to option. Its firm bottom-out force may provide a sense of control and precision, especially if you're a user who enjoys typing with more force or who engages in activities that require deliberate keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how each option aligns with your typing style and sound preference to make the most informed decision.
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