Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a fluid typing experience that is ideal for rapid key presses and gaming enthusiasts. This switch also features a unique poppy sound profile, which adds a pleasing auditory element without the distractions often associated with tactile switches. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate feedback while typing. While the Everfree Cedar may be favored for its smoothness and quiet operation, the Cream Yellow draws users in with its tactile response that enhances the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a significant difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The top housing of the Everfree (EF) Cedar is made from polycarbonate, which is known for its rigid structure and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as the clarity of the material allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which has a softer construction that absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller auditory experience. Consequently, the sound profile of the Cream Yellow is duller and rounder, highlighting the distinct impact of the top housing material on the overall sound characteristics of each switch.
On the other hand, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively compared to stiffer plastic options. Since both switches have nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect similar performance regarding the bottom-out feel and sound. The nylon's softer nature contributes to a more pleasant tactile experience, ensuring that both switches deliver a comparable impact when fully pressed. Thus, while the two switches differ in their top housing materials, they share a commonality in the bottom housing that aligns their sound profiles in this respect.
This dichotomy in housing materials illustrates the significant role that switching components play in the overall typing experience. The contrasting characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing create distinct auditory profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a commonality between the two switches. Users may prefer the sharper tones of the Everfree (EF) Cedar when seeking a more pronounced auditory response, particularly in RGB-themed builds, while those favoring a more rounded and muted sound profile may lean towards the Outemu Cream Yellow. By selecting one over the other based on these housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to better suit their personal preferences and aesthetic desires.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we note significant differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, making it relatively heavier than the Cream Yellow's 45 grams actuation force. This difference means that the Everfree switch could cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter Cream Yellow might be better suited for those who seek prolonged comfort during typing or gaming. Regarding the bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force is not listed, so a comparison cannot be made in that regard; however, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. Overall, the Everfree Cedar's actuation force is on the heavier side, while the Cream Yellow offers a lighter actuation, appealing to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch differ in their travel distances, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Cedar switch will require a slightly greater distance to engage fully compared to the Cream Yellow. For users who prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow may provide faster actuation, making it particularly appealing to gamers. Conversely, those who favor a deeper, more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Everfree (EF) Cedar due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, the differences in their travel distances highlight the importance of considering how each switch aligns with individual typing styles and needs.
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 Yellow 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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is known for delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which indicates a certain pleasant auditory feedback typical of linear switches, despite their general reputation for being quieter than tactile or clicky options. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have an established sound profile mentioned, making it challenging to directly compare the auditory qualities of the two. However, it's worth noting that the sound experience can be influenced by various factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, suggesting that with careful selection, both switches could potentially provide a satisfying sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, which is characteristic of linear switches that lack tactile bumps. This smoothness can create an enjoyable typing experience for those who prefer a consistent keypress without interruption. The Cream Yellow tactile switch, with its distinction of being tactile, likely offers a noticeable bump during actuation that provides tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience for users who appreciate that sensory cue. While both switches cater to different preferences—linear for uninterrupted motion and tactile for feedback—they each promise unique and engaging experiences suitable for their target audiences.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch shines with its smooth action and pleasant poppy sound profile, making it an appealing option for users seeking a seamless experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch emphasizes tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile sensation with each keypress. Overall, while they deliver different sensations, both switches can provide satisfying experiences depending on personal preference, and the right setup can enhance their auditory qualities significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth, linear feel without any tactile bump, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its design promises consistent, reliable performance, ideal for gamers or typists looking for rapid key presses without interruptions. The satisfying sound profile adds to the overall experience, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions or immersive gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Cream Yellow might be the better option for you. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides an engaging tactile sensation that can help reduce typing errors while keeping the actuation smooth enough for comfortable daily use. In essence, if tactile feedback and a bit more resistance in your key presses resonate with you, go for the Cream Yellow. For a fluid, linear typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is the way to go. Ultimately, consider your workflow, gaming habits, and typing style to make the choice that best suits you.
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