Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a fluid keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks. It’s also a cost-effective option from Gateron's sub-brand, appealing to those looking for quality without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch offers a distinct clicky feedback that many enthusiasts cherish for both its auditory and tactile experiences. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced sound with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying pop. While the Everfree Cedar promotes a quieter and more seamless operation suited for intense gaming or professional environments, the Dustproof Blue can bring joy to those who relish the feel of an old-school typewriter. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch 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
2.20 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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Blue share similarities in their top housing material, as both switches utilize polycarbonate. This common material provides them with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective use of RGB lighting, ensuring that users can enjoy visually striking effects while typing. Since both switches boast a polycarbonate top, users can expect similar acoustic performances regarding the sound when releasing a key. This shared property enhances the overall auditory experience, making both switches suitable options for those who prioritize sound clarity and visual appeal.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the switches diverges, as the Everfree (EF) Cedar features nylon while the Outemu Dustproof Blue employs the same nylon material as well. Nylon is often favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than the harder plastic alternatives. This quality leads to a more muted and rounded acoustic feedback, which can provide a satisfying typing experience. So even though both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, they create complementary sound profiles—where the Everfree excels at absorbing sound and providing a rich bottom-out feel, the Dustproof Blue maintains a similar characteristic, thereby offering a consistent tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the differences in sound produced by the two switches largely stem from the interaction of the top and bottom housing materials. Since both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Dustproof Blue utilize polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, the end result of their acoustic performance remains harmonious. Users will find that both switches deliver crisp sound on release while featuring a deep and satisfying tone during key presses, making them effective alternatives that cater to a broad range of typing preferences. Therefore, while they may carry distinct branding and design elements, the end experience in terms of sound and feel exhibits notable similarities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, distinct differences in actuation force and bottom out force become apparent. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Dustproof Blue is lighter at 50 grams. For users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Dustproof Blue offers a more comfortable experience. However, the Dustproof Blue switch also features a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feeling when fully pressed down, which might be appealing for those who favor a more substantial typing feedback. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons on that front. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is heavier in terms of actuation force, whereas the Dustproof Blue offers a lighter actuation experience but is heavier when it comes to bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, we find that the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Blue measures 4 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers might appreciate for faster keypress registration. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a pronounced tactile experience. Thus, if you favor quicker response times and a more concise keypress, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice; however, for those who enjoy a deeper travel and might find shorter distances too abrupt, the Dustproof Blue 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 Dustproof Blue 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 typically offers a smooth and subtle acoustic profile, which combines a satisfying yet muted pop with each keypress. This makes it an ideal option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without harsh auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is likely to produce a distinct and pronounced click sound with every actuation. This clicky feedback appeals to typists who enjoy an audible confirmation of key presses, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical sound.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is known for its smooth actuation, providing a consistent keypress without tactile bumps or resistance. This creates a seamless typing experience, favored by gamers and typists who require a fluid motion without interruptions. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue switch is characterized by its tactile feedback; the pronounced bumpy actuation point gives a distinct tactile sensation that many users find satisfying, particularly for typing. This tactile response can enhance typing speed and accuracy, appealing to users who appreciate a more interactive experience.
Considering all this information, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar's smooth sound and feel make it ideal for those seeking a linear switch with a subdued acoustic profile, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue caters to users who enjoy an audible click and a tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference. If you prefer a quieter, smoother experience, go with the Everfree Cedar; for those who enjoy clicky sounds and tactile feedback, the Dustproof Blue is the way to go. Each offers a unique typing experience, and knowing your preference will help you achieve the best results for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch greatly depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, especially as a cost-effective option that delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. These linear switches allow for a fluid keystroke without tactile feedback or clicks, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and a distinct auditory response, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch could be more suited to your style. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying click that makes every keystroke feel more pronounced, which can enhance typing accuracy and make your writing experience more engaging. Therefore, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard when selecting between these two options; the Everfree Cedar for a smooth, quiet ride or the Dustproof Blue for a more dynamic, tactile typing experience.
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