Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Ocean offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable linear action, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor seamless keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks. With its cost-effective design and poppy sound profile, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, categorized as a tactile switch, provides users with a noticeable feedback during keypresses, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing feel and auditory confirmation. While the Everfree EF Cedar excels in smoothness and quiet operation, the Outemu Ocean appeals to users seeking a tactile touch in their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Ocean share significant similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material composition leads to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience when the keys are actuated. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is beneficial for those who utilize RGB lighting, allowing light to emanate beautifully through the top housing. The aesthetic appeal and sound characteristics are remarkably consistent across these two switches, making them suitable options for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile and lighting effects.
While the top housings of both switches employ polycarbonate, the Everfree Cedar and Outemu Ocean diverge only in their branding, meaning that they will generate similar acoustic results. Both switches benefit from the inherent qualities of polycarbonate, contributing to a sound that is crisp and clear during key presses. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience regardless of the choice between the two, ensuring satisfaction in the sound profile for those who prioritize the auditory feedback when typing on their mechanical keyboards.
In the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which encapsulates a different acoustic characteristic compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is recognized for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than its stiffer counterparts. This material contributes to a more rounded sound experience during key bottoming out. When combining the nylon bottom with the polycarbonate top, the Everfree Cedars and Outemu Oceans balance their acoustic profiles. Although the specific branding of the switches differs, users will find that the combination of materials in both cases produces a hybrid auditory experience, blending sharpness from the top with depth from the bottom. Ultimately, while they may carry different names, the fundamental experiences of typing on Gateron and Outemu switches remain highly comparable.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch both feature an actuation force of 55 grams, making them comparable in this aspect. However, details about their bottom out forces are unavailable, preventing a complete comparison in that area. Given that they share the same actuation force, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the initial effort required to register a keystroke. This uniformity may appeal to those seeking a balanced typing feel, whether for work or prolonged gaming sessions. Neither switch can be categorized as lighter or heavier in relationship to each other based on the unknown bottom out values, leaving potential users without a definitive choice if they prefer a heavier or lighter switch based on bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar is the shorter of the two, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down a key. Consequently, choosing between these switches largely depends on personal preference: the Everfree Cedar is ideal for users who value responsiveness, while the Ocean caters to those who appreciate a heftier typing 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 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 is noted for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, which can contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, especially in a quieter setting. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a described sound profile, which leaves its auditory characteristics unknown. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the acoustic attributes of any switch can vary significantly depending on additional factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material, which can enhance or dampen the sound.
When considering feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is recognized for its smooth operation, providing a fluid typing experience that is often favored by users seeking a consistent actuation without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specified feel profile, which makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Typically, tactile switches are designed to offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, contributing to a different typing sensation. Depending on the user’s preferences, these differences in feel can influence overall satisfaction with the switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is celebrated for its smooth feel and poppy sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks defined characteristics in both sound and feel. Those looking for a more linear typing experience might find the Everfree Cedar appealing, while the Ocean's qualities remain a mystery. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on individual preferences, and both switches could yield similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment when matched with the right keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth and consistent keypress experience, characterized by a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is the perfect choice for you. These linear switches are particularly well-suited for those who engage in activities like gaming or typing long documents, where a seamless feel is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a distinct bump that offers clear actuation, the Outemu Ocean switch is an excellent option. This type of switch can enhance your typing experience by providing sensory feedback, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more interactive and engaging feel while working on the keyboard. In essence, if you lean towards a quieter, linear experience, go for the Everfree Cedar; however, if you enjoy tactile sensations and feedback, the Outemu Ocean will likely serve you better.
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