Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options that stand out are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless keystroke experience without tactile feedback. Its poppy sound profile adds a unique auditory element, enhancing the typing experience while maintaining a cost-effective price point. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for users who enjoy the satisfying feedback of engagement, particularly during typing sessions where precision is essential. While both switches excel in their own right—one through smooth linear action and the other through a tactile response—choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Milk Tea switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which directly influence their sound profiles during use. The EF Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic stems from the material's stiffness, which allows for greater clarity and resonance in the sound profile. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and sound visibility. In contrast, the Milk Tea's top housing is made from a newer material, referred to as Ly, which is engineered to yield a very bright sound signature. The result is a typing experience that produces resonant clacks, highlighting how the material choice of the top housing can shape the auditory experience of each switch differently.
When examining the bottom housings of each switch, the similarities become pronounced. Both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Milk Tea switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a traditional choice revered for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, dampening harsher noises and allowing for a smoother, rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. In this shared material selection, both switches deliver a complementary foundation that smoothens out the typing sound profile, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound dampening, regardless of the variations in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Milk Tea lead to contrasting sound profiles during typing, while the identical nylon bottom housing ensures a harmonious deeper sound experience. The polycarbonate top of the Everfree contributes clarity and brightness to sound release and RGB compatibility, while the Ly top of the Milk Tea accentuates a bright signature with resonant clacks. The nylon bottoms, being relatively absorptive and classic in design, ground both switches in a pleasingly fuller sound, resulting in an overall typing experience that is cohesive despite the differences in overall construction. Thus, even if the outcomes in tactile feedback and sound might diverge, the fundamental acoustic properties rooted in their respective housing materials allow users to achieve satisfying results in their typing endeavors.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are notable differences in the actuation forces, though the bottom out forces for both switches remain unknown. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Everfree Cedar requires a stronger push to register a keypress, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea switch is ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. However, without knowing the bottom out forces for both switches, a direct comparison in that regard cannot be made. Overall, if you prioritize a heavier feel, the Everfree Cedar is the better choice, whereas the Milk Tea offers a lighter option for comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers who prioritize speed in their gameplay. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer due to its deeper, more substantial feedback during use. Thus, if you value responsiveness and a quick actuation, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea could suit your preferences better.
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 Milk Tea 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 features a satisfying and poppy sound profile that many users appreciate for its pleasant acoustic character. This characteristic is likely to provide a more enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who value auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat uncertain. However, given that tactile switches typically produce a subtle click during actuation, it can be inferred that the Milk Tea would provide a more muted and possibly softer sound compared to the more pronounced auditory feedback of the Everfree Cedar.
When considering the feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is renowned for its smooth, reliable performance, making it ideal for users who prefer a consistent and uninterrupted keypress experience. The lack of tactile bumps allows for rapid actuation without any additional resistance, appealing to gamers and typists who desire fluid motion. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch provides tactile feedback during actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy by providing a noticeable bump that signals when the key has been pressed. This difference caters to those who enjoy a tactile response while typing, thus catering to a different type of user preference.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch excels in offering a satisfying and pronounced sound profile alongside a remarkably smooth feel, making it suitable for fast-paced typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch presents an unknown sound profile but is anticipated to have a more muted sound with tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more engaging typing experience. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences: one emphasizing smoothness and auditory satisfaction, while the other focuses on tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their individual needs and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you value a smooth and consistent typing experience for activities like gaming or fast-paced typing without any tactile bump, the Everfree Cedar would be your best choice. These linear switches are known for their reliable performance and satisfying sound profile, making them an excellent option for users who appreciate a quieter environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump that enhances your typing experience, the Milk Tea switch may be more suited to you. This switch is perfect for typists who benefit from feeling each actuation, which can improve typing accuracy and enjoyment, especially for prolonged typing sessions. In summary, evaluate your preferences for sound, feel, and intended use to decide which switch aligns best with your personal keyboard experience.
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