Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can fundamentally transform your typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, offers a smooth and quiet typing experience ideal for users who prefer subtlety and efficiency in their keystrokes. With its reliable performance and cost-effective design from Gateron's sub-brand, it promises to deliver a seamless experience without the interruption of sound. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch features a clicky design that provides an audible and tactile feedback with each keystroke, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy the classic sound of a mechanical keyboard. While the Everfree Cedar emphasizes a tranquil and fluid experience perfect for long hours of work or gaming, the Outemu Blue caters to those who thrive on audible confirmation and enjoy the engaging sensation of each click. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Blue both feature a polycarbonate top housing, leading to similarities in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate, known for being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when a key is pressed. This toughness means that the switch provides a clear and resonant sound signature, which is ideal for users who seek a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows the lights to shine through and exhibit vibrant colors. Ultimately, the use of polycarbonate in their tops ensures that users of both switches can expect a similarly pleasing acoustic experience.
When we shift to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Gateron Everfree and Outemu Blue incorporate nylon material, which significantly influences the sound profile during key presses. Nylon, recognized as a classic material for mechanical switch housings, tends to absorb sound more than stiffer plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio quality. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a rounder sound, which is particularly noticeable on bottoming out, where the impact is felt and heard more distinctly. This consistency in housing materials between the two switches indicates that users can anticipate a similar tactile and auditory experience when engaging with the bottom housing, as both switches prioritize a comforting and immersive sound.
The interaction between the different housing materials ultimately shapes the overall feel and sound of each switch. While both the Gateron Everfree and Outemu Blue utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating resonant highs, their reliance on nylon for the bottom housing ensures a richer depth to the overall typing experience. This combination means that even though users might expect variations in specifics like tactile feedback or actuation force, the core characteristics derived from the materials remain consistent. Therefore, those who appreciate the sound profile and feel of one switch are likely to find a familiar experience in the other, underscoring the synergy provided by their shared housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we find some differences that may influence a user's choice. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Blue is slightly lighter at 50 grams. Both switches lack specific bottom-out force measurements, leaving that aspect unknown for both. Despite this, the difference in actuation force suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Outemu Blue. Conversely, the Everfree Cedar, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches can provide satisfying feedback, the Everfree Cedar is the heavier option, and the Outemu Blue is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, a clear distinction arises. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Blue's 4 mm travel distance. This difference means that the Cedar switch will provide a more responsive feel, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the Blue switch, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a traditional typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer their unique advantages, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Everfree Cedar can deliver faster response times, whereas the Outemu Blue caters to users looking for a deeper and more substantial feel in their keystrokes.
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 Blue 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 offers a pleasingly smooth and subtle audio profile that emphasizes a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for environments where minimal distraction is desired. The Outemu Blue clicky switch, on the other hand, is known for its pronounced, tactile click, which provides an audible feedback that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This distinct sound can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate auditory cues, but it may not be suitable for quieter settings. It's important to note, however, that the overall sound produced by either switch can be significantly influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard design and the specific keycap material used.
When considering the feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is characterized by its smooth linear movement, providing an effortless and uninterrupted keypress that many users enjoy for both typing and gaming. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without any tactile feedback interruptions. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is designed with a tactile bump and click mechanism, giving users a clear indication of actuation with each keystroke. This can enhance the typing experience, especially for touch typists who rely heavily on tactile feedback to improve their accuracy. Thus, the feel of each switch caters to different preferences, with the Cedar appealing to those who favor smoothness and the Blue appealing to those who appreciate tactile sensations.
Overall, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cedar is perfect for users who value a smooth and quiet operation, while the Blue is ideal for those who seek audible and tactile feedback with every keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, ensuring that you select a switch that enhances your overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Everfree Cedar linear switch is an excellent option. It's designed to provide reliable performance without the distraction of excessive noise, making it ideal for both work environments and late-night gaming sessions where stealth is essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback with an audible click, the Outemu Blue switch may be more your style. This switch is well-suited for typists who appreciate the satisfying sound and feel of a click, offering an enhanced typing experience that many find enjoyable for coding, writing, or any activity where feedback is crucial. As a final point, consider trying both types if possible, as personal comfort and satisfaction are key to finding the right switch for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
