Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the nuances of each option to find the perfect fit for their typing style. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches stand out for their smooth, reliable performance coupled with a satisfying, poppy sound profile. As a cost-effective option from Gateron's sub-brand, they provide an attractive choice for users who value dependability without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer a unique typing experience characterized by a thocky sound profile and durable nylon construction. These switches provide a smooth keystroke and a distinctive auditory feedback that appeals to those who seek a more nuanced and enjoyable typing feel. While both switches are linear, they cater to different preferences and needs within the keyboard community. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cold Plum switches are distinct in their top constructions, resulting in differing sound profiles during use. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's properties, being relatively stiff, enhance clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for users interested in an accentuated auditory experience during typing. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting implementation, adding an aesthetic appeal for those who prioritize visual effects in their keyboards.
In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer nature which significantly alters the acoustic characteristics of the switch. The nylon top absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is rounder and more muted than that produced by polycarbonate. This difference in sound quality means that users looking for a thudding typing experience with a softer release will find the Cold Plum more suitable for their preferences. The rounded sound is complemented by its traditional status among switch enthusiasts, often eliciting a nostalgic response due to its prevalence in classic mechanical switches.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in similar acoustic properties in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom contributes to a deep and full sound profile in both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Cold Plum, ensuring that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the tactile response and sound upon pressing the key will exhibit a certain cohesion due to the shared material. Consequently, while the typing experience might vary considerably when it comes to release sound and pitch, the bottom-out feel remains consistent across both models thanks to the common use of nylon in that aspect of their construction. Thus, enthusiasts may achieve satisfying results in terms of sound and feel by selecting either switch, depending on which sound profile they prioritize.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their performance characteristics. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which makes it lighter than the Cold Plum's 60 grams. This lighter actuation force can provide an advantage for those who engage in long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort per keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree switch is unknown, while the Cold Plum's bottom out force is 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that while the Everfree switch may offer a more effortless typing experience, its overall key feel isn't fully defined compared to the Cold Plum. Ultimately, if someone prefers to type with less resistance during actuation but enjoys the tactile feedback of a stronger bottom out force, the Cold Plum might be the better choice. Conversely, for users who favor lighter keystrokes for extended use, the Everfree is more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch measures slightly less at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Everfree switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum, providing a more pronounced feel with each key press. Typically, a longer travel distance can offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes, while the shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on the user's preference: if you favor a more responsive action, the Cold Plum is the better option, whereas if you prefer a more substantial feel, the Everfree Cedar would be more suitable.
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 Cold Plum 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 switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which provides a delightful auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch boasts a unique thocky sound profile that is known for its deep and resonant character. Both sound profiles cater to different preferences, with the Cedar offering a brighter pop sound while the Cold Plum leans towards a more muted and pronounced thock. It's essential to note that the final sound experienced can vary greatly depending on the keyboard's construction, such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch emphasizes smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a consistent keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke with that distinct thock sound, providing a unique typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for more feedback from their switches. The Cedar’s focus on smoothness may resonate more with users looking for a straightforward linear experience, while the Cold Plum offers a blend of smoothness and a tactile sensation that can feel more rewarding during prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Cold Plum switches present appealing qualities depending on what you value in your typing experience. If you prefer a poppy sound and smooth execution, the Everfree Cedar might be your go-to. Conversely, if you enjoy the deeper thock and a distinct typing feel, the Cold Plum may be the better option for you. Ultimately, either choice will deliver a solid performance, but the experience will vary in sound and feedback based on your personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you're seeking a smooth and cost-effective option that offers a reliably pleasant typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar might be the right choice for you. Its lack of a specified bottom-out force suggests a lighter feel that can enhance speed and fluidity during fast typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Outemu Cold Plum will likely suit your needs better. Its distinctive thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction may appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy a more tactile experience with a well-rounded aural feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the type of sound and feedback that you find most satisfying; consider trying both switches to see which one aligns best with your preferences.
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