Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options often come into discussion: the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance, providing a seamless typing experience with a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds an enjoyable acoustic element to each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer quiet, uninterrupted typing sessions and gaming without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown offers a tactile bump that provides users with a satisfying confirmation of key presses without the clicky sound associated with other tactile switches. This makes it ideal for typists seeking a bit of feedback without disturbing their environment, particularly in office settings. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—smooth linear action versus tactile feedback—so understanding their unique attributes can significantly impact your decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
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 housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, one can immediately observe the striking similarities in their top housing composition. Both switches feature polycarbonate material, which is recognized for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of sound produced by each switch but also contributes significantly to their aesthetic appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. Given that polycarbonate is inherently a stiffer plastic, both the Everfree and Dustproof Brown exhibit qualities that make them resonate crisply upon actuation, resulting in a satisfying auditory experience for the user.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge in tonal characteristics, although they share the same nylon material. Nylon's unique properties lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound waves due to its softer nature. This results in a rounder and less pronounced sound compared to the upper housing made of polycarbonate. Despite the distinct auditory effects created by the nylon’s sound-dampening qualities, both switches will still maintain a harmonious balance between the higher-pitched notes from the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones contributed by the nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top and bottom housing materials allows each switch to deliver a distinct yet complementary sound profile. The interaction between the polycarbonate top housing's resonance and the nylon bottom housing's depth results in a rich auditory experience. When typing on these switches, one may notice that the qualities of the nylon bottom housing have a more substantial influence on the bottom-out feel and sound while the polycarbonate top will shine through upon release. This nuanced interplay ensures that both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Brown provide a unique typing experience that is simultaneously coherent and rich, highlighting the importance of each material's contribution.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it relatively heavier compared to the Dustproof Brown, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter force can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue, which may be preferable for users who type extensively or engage in prolonged gaming. While the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unspecified, the Dustproof Brown has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference in bottom out force, along with the known actuation forces, suggests that users seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean toward the Outemu Dustproof Brown because of its defined bottom out resistance, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Everfree Cedar more suitable despite the unknown bottom out measurement. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is heavier in actuation force, making it may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Brown has a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This makes the Everfree switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown, with its longer travel distance, could be favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience and deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, if you lean towards a responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Everfree switch might be ideal, whereas the longer travel of 4 mm in the Dustproof Brown could provide a satisfying depth for those who prefer a more tactile feedback.
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 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 offers a satisfying and poppy sound profile, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. This auditory feedback can enhance the overall engagement with the keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat unknown. However, it is important to note that the final sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and keycap material used, meaning that both switches could potentially yield similar sound outputs depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch provides a smooth and reliable experience, emphasizing a consistent key press without any bumps or tactile feedback, which is typical of linear switches. This makes it appealing to users who prefer a seamless typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is not described in terms of its tactile qualities, creating a gap in understanding its feel. Linear switches like the Cedar excel in fluidity, while tactile switches typically offer a noticeable resistance at the actuation point, adding complexity to the typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch stands out for its smooth performance and satisfying sound, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown's characteristics remain unclear. Although sound qualities differ, both switches may deliver a delightful typing experience when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on whether one prefers the linear smoothness of the Cedar or the unknown tactile experience from the Dustproof Brown.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing experiences and sound preferences. If you are someone who enjoys a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, the Everfree Cedar switches could be your ideal choice. Their lightweight action and satisfying, poppy sound profile make them great for both gaming and typing, especially if you appreciate a quieter, unobtrusive environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Brown might be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a noticeable tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who rely on feeling each keypress. In summary, select the Everfree Cedar if smoothness and a light touch appeal to you; choose the Outemu Dustproof Brown if you favor tactile feedback and a firmer keystroke. Each switch serves its unique purpose, making your decision a matter of what factors matter most in your daily use.
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