Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both stand out as effective linear options, but each brings its own unique characteristics to the table. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a delightful poppy sound profile that can enhance the typing experience without being overly intrusive. As a budget-friendly choice from Gateron's sub-brand, it appeals to gamers and typists looking for quality without breaking the bank. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches excel in creating a quieter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a less audible click, making them suitable for shared workspaces or late-night coding sessions. While the Everfree Cedar focuses on delivering satisfying, tactile feedback at an accessible price, the Silent Ocean prioritizes discretion and durability with its dustproof design. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness contributes to its ability to resonate sound more clearly, resulting in a pronounced sonic quality when typing. This similarity in housing materials enhances the switches' overall performance in terms of sound clarity, making them both favorable choices for users who prioritize an engaging auditory feedback while typing, particularly those who appreciate the effects of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant backlighting effects.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Dustproof Silent Ocean is made from nylon, which lends a contrasting emotional depth to the typing experience. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which absorb sound, hence producing a deeper and fuller tonal quality when a key is pressed. This difference is crucial as it shapes the overall sound profile of the switches; while the top housing brings crispness, the bottom housing contributes richness to the sound when bottoming out. Therefore, despite both switches sharing materials for their top and bottom housings, their unique sound profiles maintain a balance between clarity and depth—providing a multi-faceted auditory feedback during use.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, their combined effects create a distinctive typing experience. Both switches capitalize on polycarbonate's ability to produce a bright sound signature from the top housing while coupling it with nylon's capability to offer a fuller, warmer sound from the bottom. This dual-material approach results in a cohesive and satisfying experience for users, ensuring that both switches produce an enjoyable auditory outcome regardless of their specific configurations. Whether typing out lengthy documents or gaming, users can expect a well-rounded sound that blends clarity with depth, enriching their overall keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier than the 45 grams required by the Dustproof Silent Ocean. This means that users of the Everfree Cedar may experience a more substantial typing feel, while those who prefer a lighter touch may favor the Silent Ocean for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is currently unknown, making direct comparisons difficult. In contrast, the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. As a result, if you are looking for a lighter switch overall, the Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the preferable option, while the Everfree Cedar offers a heftier actuation force for those who prefer more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you opt for the Outemu switch, you'll experience a slightly quicker response time, appealing to those who prefer a snappier feel, particularly useful for gaming. Conversely, the Gateron Everfree, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial, traditional typing experience that some users may find more satisfying or comfortable, particularly for extended typing sessions. Thus, your choice between these two switches may ultimately depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Silent Ocean 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 provides a satisfying and poppy sound profile that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. This characteristic may stem from its reliable construction and material quality, which enhance the sound produced during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks a specific sound profile description, making it difficult to assess its acoustic qualities. However, as the name suggests, it may emphasize a quieter operation, potentially dampening noise and producing a more muted sound when compared to the Everfree Cedar.
Regarding the feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is engineered for smooth and reliable performance, allowing for seamless and consistent key presses that are appealing to typists and gamers alike. This switch offers a satisfying linear action with no tactile bump, promoting a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch remains unspecified, so it is challenging to compare it directly to the Cedar. However, given its linear designation, one might expect a similar absence of tactile feedback, though this remains conjecture without further specifications.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch exhibits a distinct poppy sound and smooth feel that cater to a satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch offers ambiguity in both sound and feel. This unknown element could affect a user's overall experience in a significant way. If you prefer acoustic feedback and a reliable typing sensation, the Everfree Cedar is likely the more suitable option. However, users seeking a quieter operation may find the Silent Ocean advantageous, although its precise qualities would need to be experienced firsthand. Ultimately, both switches offer unique traits, and your choice will depend heavily on personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, poppy sound with a reliable performance for gaming or typing, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be your ideal choice. Its cost-effective design and satisfying feel make it a strong candidate for users who enjoy a more tactile experience while still benefiting from linear switch characteristics. On the other hand, if you seek a medium-heavy bottom-out force that provides a more substantial feel under your fingers, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean could be the better fit. Its specifications are particularly suitable for those who want to minimize noise during usage—perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing. Consider your typing habits and environment; if silence and a heavier actuation are what you need, the Silent Ocean will serve you well, while the Everfree Cedar shines in scenarios where responsiveness and a light touch are desired.
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