Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red offer distinct characteristics that can significantly impact your typing experience. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a satisfying keyboard feel, enhanced by a poppy sound that adds a pleasing auditory element to each keypress. On the other hand, while the Outemu Dustproof Red lacks the specific acclaim of its counterpart, it is designed with longevity in mind, offering a dust-resistant feature that aids in maintaining performance over time. Both switches are linear, providing a consistent and unbroken keystroke without any tactile bump, ideal for gamers and typists looking for fluidity. 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
60g
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
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Red, one notable similarity is the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches leverage polycarbonate's inherent properties to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This result stems from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to other plastics, allowing for a clearer resonance. As both switches utilize this material, they will likely yield similar acoustic experiences, particularly for those interested in the aesthetics of the switch while using RGB lighting, since the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, as the Everfree (EF) Cedar features nylon while the Dustproof Red also incorporates nylon. Despite this similarity in material choice for the bottom housing, the effects of the softer nylon can lead to distinct sound profiles when typing. The nylon’s sound-absorbing characteristics provide a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, as it tends to create a more muffled and rounder sound than the top housing. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, users may notice variances in how the switches feel and sound, particularly when bottoming out the keys.
Overall, while the top housing of both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Red is made from polycarbonate—leading to similar sound profiles due to its acoustic properties—the bottom housings retain nuances. Although both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the overall sound and feel will be influenced by the combination of their top and bottom materials. Consequently, while the caps produce a sharper sound upon release, the bottoms will emanate a deeper sound when pressed, providing a distinctive typing experience unique to each switch despite similarities in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is currently unavailable. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Dustproof Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which can provide a more effortless typing experience, particularly suitable for long hours at work or during gaming sessions. The Dustproof Red also features a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a pronounced tactile response when fully pressed down. Since the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, it complicates a direct comparison in that regard; however, the known actuation weights clearly delineate the Cedar as the heavier switch and the Dustproof Red as the lighter choice. Thus, if you favor a lighter touch, the Dustproof Red would be the preferable option, whereas if you seek a more robust typing experience, the Everfree Cedar may be the way to go.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, we find that the Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you're seeking quicker response times, the Gateron Everfree Cedar, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing to gamers who prefer rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for users who appreciate a more traditional key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches can cater to personal preferences, balancing between the need for responsiveness and the desire for a more substantial typing 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 Dustproof Red 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 switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience with its distinct acoustic feedback. This characteristic can provide an engaging auditory response that many users find enjoyable, especially in a mechanical keyboard setting. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch doesn't have a specific sound profile detailed, which leaves its auditory characteristics somewhat unknown. However, since sound can vary depending on the choice of board and keycaps, it’s possible that the Dustproof Red could still produce a satisfactory sound, but it won't have the defined poppiness that the Cedar offers.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is designed to provide smooth and reliable performance, likely translating to a pleasant linear typing experience. This can give users a sense of fluidity as they type, making it suitable for extended use. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch are not specifically described, leaving the tactile experience somewhat uncertain. Generally, linear switches like the Dustproof Red are expected to offer a straightforward, unidirectional keystroke without tactile bumps, similar to the Cedar, yet without additional details, it's hard to establish an exact comparison.
Overall, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Dustproof Red switches differ significantly in their sound profiles, with the Cedar being notably defined while the Dustproof Red remains unexplored. In feel, the Cedar is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, whereas the feel of the Dustproof Red is unclear. If you're seeking a more engaging auditory experience and a consistent typing feel, the Everfree Cedar would be a safer choice, but if you're open to a potentially different but straightforward linear experience, the Dustproof Red could still offer similar results, depending on the specific board and keycap selections you choose.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable performance along with a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be your ideal choice, particularly if you enjoy the experience of a lightweight switch that feels effortless to actuate. This quality makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming, where you value comfort and minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red offers a more substantial bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it a better option if you prefer tactile feedback and a more controlled typing experience. This can be especially beneficial for those who enjoy deliberate keystrokes and might find lighter switches too sensitive for their typing style. Ultimately, your selection should align with how you intend to use your keyboard, whether for fast-paced gaming or extended typing tasks, ensuring that your choice complements your personal ergonomics and sound preferences.
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