Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Gold offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar, with its linear design, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who favor rapid, quiet typing without tactile feedback. Its cost-effective nature, paired with Gateron’s reliable craftsmanship, assures users of durable performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, classified as a clicky switch, delivers an audible and tactile response that many find satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience and the nostalgic sound of mechanical keys. Both switches offer unique advantages: the Cedar for its silent efficiency and the Gold for its engaging feedback. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Gold, it's evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which profoundly influences their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and clearer, a feature attributed to the material's relative stiffness. Since both switches employ this same material for the top housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing the keys, especially complementing setups with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. The uniform choice of polycarbonate suggests that both switches are well-suited for enhanced visual appeal alongside performance.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Everfree Cedar and the Outemu Gold is crafted from nylon, a traditional choice that diverges from the properties of the top housing. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture compared to polycarbonate, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience as a result. While both switches mirror each other in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, this duality of materials means that users would feel different characteristics during use: the nylon's sound absorption will govern the bottom-out feel and sound, while the polycarbonate upper will influence the sound resonance upon release.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials in both switches allows for a nuanced typing experience. As both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, users will enjoy a similar clarity and resonance in sound upon key release. Conversely, the identical use of nylon for the bottom housing will provide a consistent foundation for both switches, projecting a deeper sound profile upon bottoming out. Thus, while the individual contributions of the materials may lead to different tactile and auditory characteristics, the combinations of these tried-and-true materials suggest that both switches will perform quite comparably in terms of sound, aesthetics, and overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces as well as their bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Outemu Gold's actuation force is lighter at 45 grams. This makes the Gold switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that aspect. The Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Consequently, the Everfree Cedar's actuation force offers a heavier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Outemu Gold is lighter and may be better for those seeking ease of use over long periods.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold, which adheres to the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience, the Everfree's shorter distance may be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation and faster response times. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and prefer the tactile feedback of a deeper press may gravitate toward the Outemu Gold. Thus, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the EF Cedar's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a snappier experience compared to the longer, more deliberate feel of the 4 mm travel distance found in the Gold switch.
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 Gold 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 switches are known for their smooth and relatively quiet operation, which minimizes noise during typing. This makes them a great choice for environments where sound levels need to be kept low, such as shared workspaces or libraries. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound characteristics are not specified, which leaves an unknown element about its auditory profile. However, considering that clicky switches typically produce a distinct, audible "click" sound upon actuation, it can be assumed that the Outemu Gold will be noticeably louder than the Everfree Cedar, providing a more pronounced acoustic feedback that some users find satisfying for both typing and gaming.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switches offer a smooth linear typing experience with no tactile bump, promoting uninterrupted keystrokes that many typists and gamers appreciate. These switches are designed to provide a consistent feel throughout their travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not detailed, but clicky switches are generally characterized by a tactile bump and a click sound at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for some users, creating a more engaging experience, though it may not suit everyone's preference.
Overall, when considering the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear and Outemu Gold clicky switches, the choice ultimately depends on the user’s sound and feel preferences. Those who prefer a quiet, smooth typing experience should lean towards the Everfree Cedar, while those who enjoy tactile feedback and distinct auditory cues may favor the clicky nature of the Outemu Gold. Both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, albeit in different ways, thus appealing to different types of users in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you value a smooth and linear typing experience with a light touch, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent option. Its reliable performance and satisfying sound profile make it a great choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback and the distinctive audible click that comes with a medium bottom-out force, the Outemu Gold switch may be more to your liking. It’s ideal for those who like to hear and feel each keystroke, adding an element of satisfaction to typing. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the acoustics of your workspace, and how each switch aligns with your needs before making a decision. Whether you choose the Everfree (EF) Cedar for its smooth operation or the Gold for its clicky feedback, both switches offer unique experiences catered to different typing preferences.
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