Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a seamless keystroke without any tactile feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value speed and minimal distraction from key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump during activation that gives users feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience and prefer to feel each key press. While the Everfree Cedar's poppy sound profile can be appealing for a lively typing atmosphere, the tactile nature of the Crystal Brown contributes to precise input, making it a solid choice for those who type frequently. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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 housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Crystal Brown demonstrate similarities in both their top and bottom housings, which influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance. Furthermore, both switches utilize translucency in their top housings, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications. As a result, users can expect an aesthetically pleasing visual effect when these switches are illuminated, leading to similar auditory experiences while typing.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Crystal Brown rely on nylon, a classic choice that crafting a distinct sound profile. Nylon, which is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, effectively absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This material choice results in a sound that is rounder and duller, contrasting the sharper sound delivered by the polycarbonate top. As the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and feel, typists can anticipate a consistent, rich tonal quality when pressing down on either switch. Thus, despite the variations in the type of sound produced by each switch's housing, the nylon bottoms promote a shared typing experience.
Overall, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Crystal Brown feature differing combinations of top and bottom housing materials, their use of polycarbonate and nylon in respective positions ensures a blend of auditory qualities. The clear and crisp tones from the polycarbonate tops complement the deeper sounds from the nylon bottoms, allowing users to enjoy a versatile and balanced typing experience. Consequently, despite their individual identities, both switches can achieve a harmonious blend of sound characteristics, resulting in a unique yet comparable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we find notable differences and similarities. The Everfree Cedar has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, making it relatively heavier compared to the Crystal Brown's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Crystal Brown, especially for long typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might opt for the heavier Everfree Cedar. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, while the Crystal Brown's bottom out force is recorded at 55 grams, making it medium-light. This means that while both switches require varying forces to act on their keystrokes, the Crystal Brown offers a more defined bottoming out experience, which could impact typing feedback differently for users. Overall, the Gateron Everfree Cedar is the heavier option, while the Outemu Crystal Brown is the lighter choice, fitting distinct preferences in typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the distinctions are clear. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter travel option, appealing to those who favor quicker responses, especially gamers who benefit from faster actuation. In contrast, the Crystal Brown, with its more traditional travel distance, provides a deeper feedback that some users may find more satisfying, particularly for typing or tasks that benefit from a more pronounced tactile response. Depending on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth, users might choose the Everfree Cedar for its shorter travel convenience or the Crystal Brown for a more resilient keystroke 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 Crystal 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 is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile. This auditory quality is often appreciated by users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback as they type, adding a delightful aspect to their keyboard experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound characteristic mentioned, making it harder to draw direct comparisons. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard, build materials, and keycaps, so users can achieve tailored results regardless of switch type.
When considering the feel of both switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, which creates a fluid typing experience favored by many linear switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific description of its tactile feel available, making it challenging to assess how it compares directly with the Everfree Cedar. Typically, brown switches are known for providing a tactile bump that can be satisfying for users who appreciate feedback during typing, but without specific details for the Crystal Brown, we can only speculate about its exact characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch excels in delivering both a pleasant sound and a smooth typing feel, making it a solid choice for newcomers interested in linear switches. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remains somewhat of an enigma, particularly regarding its sound and feel qualities. While users can enjoy the different auditory experiences with the Everfree Cedar, the lack of information surrounding the Crystal Brown may leave potential buyers uncertain about its performance. Nevertheless, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, particularly when paired with the right keyboard setup and accessories.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and use case. If you prioritize a smooth, linear feel and a quiet keystroke, the Everfree Cedar is a fantastic option, particularly for those who enjoy rapid key presses without any tactile feedback or resistance—ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience that provides feedback on each key press, the Crystal Brown switch is a great choice. Its medium-light actuation with a noticeable bump can enhance typing accuracy and make for a more engaging experience, especially for typists or programmers who appreciate the tactile cues. Therefore, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: for smooth and speedy performance, go for the Everfree Cedar, but if you value tactile feedback and a more traditional typing experience, the Crystal Brown will serve you well.
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