Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Pink each present their own distinct advantages while sharing the smooth, linear feel that many users appreciate. The Everfree Cedar excels in delivering a reliably satisfying performance, thanks to its construction from Gateron's trusted proprietary mold, which results in a poppy sound profile that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, while the Cream Pink doesn’t have standout features highlighted, its linear design makes it a versatile option that appeals to users seeking a more understated tactile experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preference, whether you lean towards the Everfree Cedar’s engaging auditory feedback or the subtlety of the Cream Pink’s response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Pink exhibit intriguing differences that significantly affect their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Everfree Cedar features a top housing made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which contributes to a more resonant sound when a key is released. In contrast, the Cream Pink employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference between the top housings means that users can expect distinct auditory experiences when typing on these switches, with the polycarbonate enhancing brightness in sound and the nylon contributing to a warm, muted tone.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are both made of nylon. This consistency in material leads to a similar sound profile when the key is bottomed out, as both switches benefit from nylon's ability to absorb sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a deeper, rounder sound characteristic that is consistent across both switch types. While the distinct top housing materials might produce differing auditory results upon release, the shared nylon ingredient in the lower section ensures that the bottoming-out experience remains comparable. As a result, users can expect a consistent tactile sensation and sound when depressing the keys, regardless of the disparity in their top housing compositions.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Everfree Cedar and Cream Pink switches produce a clear divergence in sound profiles, with the former offering a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate construct and the latter presenting a fuller sound due to its nylon composition. However, the shared nylon construction of both bottom housings creates a common ground that unifies their auditory characteristics during bottoming out. Therefore, while the overall typing experience will vary due to the top housing differences, both switches can deliver similar results when pressed all the way down, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both soundscapes through their engagement with the nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Cream Pink's lighter 50 grams, making the Everfree switch feel more substantial when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar is unknown, while the Cream Pink has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while the Cedar might provide a cushioned experience at its endpoint, we cannot directly compare the bottoming out characteristics. For typists who favor lighter switches that allow for prolonged use, the Cream Pink is the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel should consider the Everfree switch due to its heavier actuation force, despite the uncertainty surrounding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Pink features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be more suitable for your needs, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Cream Pink, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience, which some users prefer for its depth and feedback. Overall, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a more responsive option, while the Cream Pink caters to those who enjoy a fuller travel 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 Outemu Cream Pink 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 switches are noted for their satisfying, poppy sound profile, which adds a pleasant auditory dimension to typing. This characteristic ensures that each keystroke is both recognizable and enjoyable, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switches lack a specific sound description, making it difficult to assess their sound characteristics directly. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap choices.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches are designed to provide smooth and reliable performance, which enhances the typing experience, offering a sense of assurance with each keystroke. This smoothness can translate into a more comfortable and efficient typing experience for many users. In contrast, the Cream Pink switches do not have a documented feel quality outlined, leaving an unanswered question about their tactile response and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches stand out for their satisfying sound profile and smooth feel, making them an appealing choice for newcomers looking for an engaging typing experience. The Outemu Cream Pink switches, while lacking specific descriptions for both sound and feel, may still offer a decent performance but can’t guarantee the same engaging experience as the Everfree Cedar. Users opting for either switch should keep in mind that factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice will ultimately contribute to their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding feel, weight, and sound. If you seek a smooth and reliable typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its lighter touch makes it ideal for long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue and allowing for rapid keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial for those who engage in extensive typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides tactile feedback and a more deliberate typing experience, the Cream Pink might be more suited for you. It tends to feel more substantial, giving a certain heft to each key press, which can enhance your typing rhythm if you enjoy the sensation of force in your typing. Ultimately, your decision will boil down to whether you value a lightweight, smooth action or a heavier, more tactile response. Consider your typing style and the activities you'll be using the keyboard for to make the best choice for your needs.
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