Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Brown represent two distinct yet popular options, each catering to different preferences. The Gateron Everfree Cedar, known for its smooth and reliable performance, offers a linear experience that is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks. Its satisfying, poppy sound profile adds a fun element to typing while maintaining a cost-effective approach to high-quality switches. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. This tactile characteristic makes it a favored choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced response during their typing sessions. Both switches have their unique advantages: the EF Cedar excels in creating a fluid typing experience, while the Outemu Brown caters to users seeking tactile sensation. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown switches share the same housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity in materials creates comparable sound profiles when typing. The polycarbonate top housing is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it enhances sound resonance, resulting in a clear audio experience, which is amplified when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, both the Everfree and the Brown switches, with their polycarbonate tops, contribute to an illuminating and vibrant auditory feedback during operation.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which serves to balance the overall sound profile created by the polycarbonate top. Nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which dampens the noise compared to harder plastics. Thus, when typing on either the Gateron Everfree or the Outemu Brown, users will experience a pronounced, rounded effect resulting from the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This less resonant bottom-out feel imbues the switches with a tactile richness that complements the crisper sound profile of the top housings, allowing both switches to shine in their own right.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Brown switches utilize identical housing materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a balanced typing experience. The polycarbonate top imparts clarity and sharpness to the auditory feedback, while the nylon bottom softens the overall sound, giving users a satisfying feel. Therefore, while the two switches may bear distinct names and brands, the alignment in their housing materials ensures that they will deliver similarly enjoyable typing experiences, leveraging the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon to achieve an optimum sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Outemu Brown’s actuation force of 53 grams, making the Cedar a bit more demanding for typists. However, the Brown has a specified bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that it requires a more substantial push to fully depress the key compared to the Everfree Cedar, as its bottom out force is currently unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Brown may be more comfortable due to its slightly lower actuation force, while the heavier feel of the Cedar might appeal to users looking for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, if a user values longer typing sessions or gaming, they might gravitate towards the lighter actuation of the Brown, while others may prefer the stronger feedback from the heavier Cedar switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional tactile feel, offering depth that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may boil down to whether one values a snappier, more responsive action or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 Brown 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 delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, providing an enjoyable auditory experience for users who appreciate a bit of acoustic feedback. The Outemu Brown switch, on the other hand, has no specific sound characterization mentioned, making it difficult to compare. However, users can generally expect that the sound of any switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps, which means comparable setups may yield similar auditory results.
When considering the feel, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is designed to offer smooth and reliable performance, ensuring a consistent typing experience that many linear switch enthusiasts cherish. Conversely, the Outemu Brown switch is not defined in terms of feel within the provided information, leaving potential users wondering about its tactile characteristics. Nevertheless, the sensation of a switch can also be subjective and heavily influenced by personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is recognized for its poppy sound profile and smooth typing feel, the Outemu Brown switch lacks detailed descriptions in terms of both sound and feel. For newcomers exploring these switches, it’s important to note that sound and feel are subjective qualities that can vary based on individual preferences and external factors like keyboard design and keycap material. Trying out both switches in a hands-on environment would be the best way to determine which option aligns better with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you're someone who values a smooth, linear feel with a satisfying poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar may be the ideal choice for you, particularly if you enjoy rapid key presses often associated with gaming or fast typing. Its lightweight actuation can provide an effortless experience, reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and like knowing exactly when the switch engages, the Outemu Brown switch, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force, offers a more pronounced feel that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort. Additionally, the subtle tactile bump can be beneficial for those who do a lot of writing or coding, providing a satisfying reference point without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, consider what is most important for your typing experience, and choose accordingly to suit your style and tasks.
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