Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Green present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. Its cost-effectiveness along with a satisfying, poppy sound profile makes it an appealing option for both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch, being a clicky switch, offers an audible tactile feedback that many writers and gamers appreciate for its satisfying click sound, which can enhance the typing experience and provide clear confirmation with each keystroke. While the Everfree Cedar excels in providing a seamless and fluid keystroke, the Dustproof Green offers a more engaging audio feedback that some users find motivating. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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 Green both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in similar acoustical properties for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This correlation between housing material and sound means that users can expect an equally crisp and higher-pitched auditory experience when typing on both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy RGB lighting since it allows for vibrant illumination that can enhance the aesthetics of a keyboard setup. Thus, despite their different branding, the Everfree and Dustproof Green switch models share a foundational acoustic quality due to their identical top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Dustproof Green are made from nylon, a material well-regarded for its sound-dampening properties. The nylon construction contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, providing a distinctly softer and rounder feel compared to switches with harder plastics. Both switches, therefore, deliver a cohesive typing experience by blending the tonal characteristics of the polycarbonate top with the muted resonance of the nylon bottom. This combination means that while users will experience a high-pitched sound on actuation from the top, the conclusion of the keystroke will feel more robust and powerful, thanks to the contribution of the nylon material.
Overall, the distinct qualities of the top and bottom housings create a harmonious balance within each switch. While the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Green switch designs feature similar materials for their top and bottom housings, the interplay between the two ultimately determines the user experience. The polycarbonate top provides crispness and clarity during actuation, while the nylon bottom adds depth and warmth to the bottom-out sound. As a result, both switches, despite their differences in branding and design intent, promise comparable performance and auditory satisfaction under a variety of typing conditions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there is a distinct difference in their design preferences. The Everfree Cedar features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it demands less force to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. Regarding bottom out forces, the Everfree Cedar's value is unknown, while the Dustproof Green has a definitive bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feedback when fully pressed down. This difference in bottom out force reinforces the Outemu's heavier feel compared to the Cedar. Ultimately, users seeking a softer, lighter switch may gravitate towards the Gateron Everfree, whereas those who favor a firmer, more resistant typing experience would find the Outemu Dustproof Green more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, there is a notable difference: the Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Green measures 4 mm. This means that the Dustproof Green offers a longer travel distance, which might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing keys, providing a sense of depth during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar, with its shorter travel distance, could cater to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences—whether you favor the immediate feedback of a shorter switch or the substantial feel of a longer one.
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 Green 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 is notable for its smooth yet satisfying poppy sound profile. This sound is often appreciated by typists who enjoy a more lively auditory experience while typing, as it can enhance the overall satisfaction of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch does not have a clearly defined sound signature listed, which may suggest a less pronounced auditory quality compared to the Cedar switch. The Everfree's enjoyable poppy sound could provide a more engaging experience, while the Dustproof Green may blend more quietly into the surroundings, although the sound can still be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, which makes it a great option for those who prefer an uninterrupted typing experience without tactile bumps or clicks. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green, presumed to be a clicky switch, would traditionally offer a more tactile feel coupled with an audible click that signals each actuation. This tactile feedback can enhance typing precision and inform the user of the activation point, appealing to those who enjoy a more responsive and engaging feel when typing.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is celebrated for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a seamless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch, although lacking a specific sound description, likely offers a tactile and clicky feel that typists who enjoy feedback from their switches would relish. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both options can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it primarily hinges on your personal typing preference and the intended use of your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and reliable typing experience without the distraction of noise, the Everfree Cedar is the ideal choice. Its lightweight operation means it’s great for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for writers or programmers who value comfort and speed. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, the Dustproof Green caters to that desire perfectly. Its heavier actuation force may provide a satisfying resistance that can be appealing for gamers or those who appreciate a pronounced typing experience. In essence, choose the Everfree Cedar for a quiet and fluid touch, while opting for the Dustproof Green if you relish an engaging auditory feedback and a more robust feel under your fingers.
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