Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience, and two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch. The Everfree Cedar switch is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance, making it a fantastic choice for typists seeking a consistent feel without the distraction of tactile feedback or noise. Its cost-effective nature provides a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, perfect for those who prefer a quieter, streamlined workspace. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience, offering a pronounced click that not only enhances typing satisfaction but also provides audible feedback for each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who relish in the classic mechanical feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and working environments, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Green share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both clear and resonant, a characteristic attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature compared to other plastics. Given that both switches feature a translucent top housing made from polycarbonate, users looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience will find that both switches will sufficiently allow light to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. As a result, if equal sound clarity and RGB compatibility are desired, either switch could achieve similar auditory outcomes due to the shared properties of their top housings.
However, the bottom housing of each switch diverges, as the EF Cedar employs nylon, while the Outemu Green also opts for nylon. This similarity in bottom housing material generates a distinct impact on the auditory experience when pressing the keys. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which means it absorbs more sound and yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while the top housings contribute to the higher-frequency sounds upon release, the bottom nylon housings will affect the sound and feel of bottoming out, delivering a rounder and more muted auditory feedback with each keystroke. Users can expect a consistent sound character from both switches on the bottom end due to their shared nyon bottom material, though the overall acoustic experience will retain nuances attributable to the differences in the top housing.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Green are alike in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to a bright and resonant sound profile, they share a deeper connection through the nylon that constitutes their bottom housings. Users of both switches can anticipate a similar sound experience at the bottom end of keystrokes due to the dampening qualities of nylon. The combination of these materials ultimately implies that while the switches may present subtle variations in sound due to their differing top constructions, the fundamental auditory characteristics will be closely aligned, making them both suitable options for those seeking specific auditory feedback in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the Outemu Green clicky switch, notable differences in actuation force can be observed. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Green requires a heftier 65 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Everfree Cedar the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for prolonged use, such as in office or gaming settings. In terms of bottom out force, the Everfree Cedar does not have a specified value, while the Outemu Green has a bottom out force of 80 grams, which is considered heavy. This means that the Outemu Green not only requires more force to actuate but also demands greater force to bottom out, making it suited for those who favor a more robust and tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Everfree Cedar’s lighter actuation force may provide increased comfort for long typing sessions, whereas the Outemu Green’s heavier forces deliver a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Outemu Green provides a slightly more pronounced tactile experience as you press down, which may appeal to those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Everfree Cedar may cater to gamers and those who prefer a more responsive feel for quicker actions. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, while the Outemu Green might be preferred by those who value a more traditional and substantial keystroke 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 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 linear switch has a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more rewarding. This sound signature is indicative of the smooth operation characteristic of linear switches, which tend to be quieter compared to their tactile or clicky counterparts. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch is notably absent of a detailed sound profile; however, it is typically characterized by a prominent click sound when actuated, which provides auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. It’s essential to note that the overall sound of a switch can vary greatly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, making the acoustics of each experience slightly different.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch delivers a smooth and consistent experience as expected from a linear switch, which is optimized for fluid key presses without any tactile bump. This quality makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without interruptions. Conversely, the Outemu Green, known for its clicky nature, offers a distinct tactile feedback when pressed, giving users a pronounced experience upon activation. This tactile feedback is often favored by typists and gamers alike, as it helps with accuracy and confirms key presses more distinctly compared to linear switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different preferences. While the Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and poppy sound combined with a seamless feel, the Outemu Green provides a clear clicking sound along with tactile feedback. Ultimately, which switch you prefer will depend on whether you seek a quiet and fluid typing experience or a more engaging and interactive keystroke sensation. Both serve their purposes well, delivering enjoyable typing experiences with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a cost-effective solution, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. They provide satisfying performance without the distraction of a tactile bump or a loud click, making them ideal for quieter environments and long typing sessions where you prioritize fluidity. On the other hand, if you enjoy auditory feedback while typing and prefer a more pronounced feel, the Outemu Green is tailored for you. Its heavier bottom-out force offers a tactile experience that many users find satisfying, especially in gaming or writing scenarios where you want to feel each keystroke. The clicky sound profile of the Green switch can enhance your typing experience, offering a sense of confirmation with each press. Considering these factors, your decision should align with whether you find comfort in a smooth, linear feel or a clicky, tactile response in your keyboard setup.
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