Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Lotus are two linear options that cater to different preferences and budgets. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering users a cost-effective choice without compromising on quality, thanks to Gateron’s trusted proprietary mold that delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus has gained traction among gaming enthusiasts for its durability and responsiveness, making it a solid pick for those who prioritize performance during high-stakes gameplay. While both switches provide a linear feel suitable for fast typing and gaming, the Everfree Cedar shines with its unique auditory feedback, whereas the Lotus is recognized for its reliable build quality. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus, one finds a clear distinction between the top housings of the two switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of this plastic. This quality enhances the switch’s overall auditory feedback, making it particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking for a bright sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon tends to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. When using these switches with RGB lighting, the polycarbonate housing’s translucency further enhances visual aesthetics, making the Everfree (EF) Cedar particularly advantageous for illuminated setups.
Conversely, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which reveals a notable area of similarity. Since nylon is associated with a deeper and rounder sound profile, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Lotus will deliver a similar auditory experience when bottoming out due to the properties of the nylon. This shared bottom housing material means that when pressed, users will experience the sound-dampening qualities that nylon brings, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Thus, although the auditory characters are diverse when keys are released, the impact felt during the key press remains consistent between the two switches.
Overall, the difference in top housing materials leads to contrasting sound profiles for both switches when typing, while the similarity in bottom housing materials unifies their bottom-out experience. Users can anticipate a brighter and crisper auditory feedback from the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, while the Outemu Lotus will produce a richer, more muted sound. Despite these differences, the underlying impact of the nylon bottom housing guarantees a satisfying typing experience for both switches, ensuring that enthusiasts will find appeal in the tactile feedback and acoustic response. Typically, users will gravitate toward one switch over the other based on their sound profile preference, illustrating how material choices significantly influence behavior and enjoyment in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar's actuation force is considerably heavier at 55 grams, while the Outemu Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This difference means that typists and gamers looking for a less strenuous typing experience will likely prefer the Lotus switch due to its lower actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess its performance compared to the Lotus, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, while users might expect a more substantial feel from the Cedar switch due to its higher actuation force, the lack of a defined bottom out force makes it challenging to draw a comprehensive comparison. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches for prolonged use may gravitate towards the Outemu Lotus, while those preferring a stronger push feel may lean toward the Everfree Cedar, assuming it has a similarly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the EF Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Everfree Cedar offers a more pronounced depth when the key is pressed compared to the more responsive design of the Lotus. For gamers who prioritize quick response times, the Lotus's shorter travel distance may be preferable; however, for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience, the longer travel distance of the Everfree Cedar could be more satisfying. Consequently, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
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 Lotus 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 is noted for its satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This aspect makes it stand out for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have a specified sound profile. This lack of description leaves some ambiguity regarding the auditory characteristics of the Lotus, suggesting that its sound might vary significantly based on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is recognized for its smooth, reliable performance that many users find appealing, particularly for long typing sessions and gaming. The specific tactile sensation isn’t detailed, yet the general consensus celebrates its consistency. The Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks specific information regarding its feel, making it difficult to provide a precise comparison. As such, the feel of the Lotus switch remains an unknown variable, which could potentially lead to different user experiences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience, characterized by its poppy sound and smooth action, making it a favorable choice for those seeking reliable performance. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch presents an uncertainty regarding its sound and feel, suggesting that users might need to experiment to determine if it meets their preferences. If you're looking for well-rounded performance, the Everfree Cedar is the clear frontrunner, while the Lotus requires further exploration to uncover its potential qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and desired performance. If you value a smooth and reliable experience without a specific bottom-out force to worry about, the Everfree Cedar may be the better option for you. Its satisfying, poppy sound profile means you can enjoy feedback without any harshness, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, with its 50 grams bottom-out force, is a great fit for those who prefer a bit of resistance while typing, as it provides a lighter tactile response that can help prevent accidental key presses. If you prioritize a linear feel that still has some feedback without being overly heavy, the Lotus can offer a more traditional linear experience. Overall, aligning your switch choice with your typing style will greatly enhance your keyboard experience, whether you choose the Everfree Cedar for its smoothness or the Lotus for its moderate resistance.
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