Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Peach (V3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Peach (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Peach offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, showcasing Gateron's trusted craftsmanship. This cost-effective linear switch stands out with a satisfying, poppy sound profile, providing a delightful feedback experience for users who enjoy tactile auditory cues in their typing. In contrast, the Outemu Peach caters to those who seek a feather-light feel, being particularly lightweight and designed with a silenced feature that affords a muted typing experience. This makes the Peach an excellent choice for linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a subtle touch without disruptive noise. Both switches provide unique advantages depending on your typing style, yet they share a common linear characteristic. However, 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
40g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Peach, the distinction between the top housings is particularly notable. The EF Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its sharp and high-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing which is softer, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This variation in materials results in significant differences in auditory feedback during typing; while the EF Cedar delivers a more pronounced sound upon release, the Peach provides a rounder, muted experience.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Peach utilize nylon bottom housings. This uniformity in bottom material leads to consistent auditory qualities across both switches. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing properties, creates a deep and full sound experience in both cases. The bottom housings play a critical role in shaping the overall feel and sound, particularly during the bottoming out of the key presses. As a result, while the top housing significantly influences the sound profile upon releasing a key, the bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a similar deep and rounded sound in both switches upon actuation.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and identical bottom housing materials contributes to the unique character of each switch. The EF Cedar's polycarbonate top enhances crispness during key release, whereas the Peach's nylon top leans into a softer sound profile. When combined with their shared nylon bottoms, both switches offer a rich typing experience. Users seeking a sharper auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, while those preferring a deeper, fuller resonance will likely favor the Outemu Peach. Regardless, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing serves as a common thread that ties both switches together in their sound quality at the point of actuation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Outemu Peach linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Everfree Cedar boasts an actuation force of 55 grams, which is significantly higher than the Peach's actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Everfree Cedar requires more force to register a keypress, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Peach’s lighter actuation force makes it ideal for prolonged use, as it may reduce finger strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. Furthermore, while the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unspecified, the Peach has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a clearer feedback sensation when fully pressed. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is the heavier option, whereas the Outemu Peach, with its lighter actuation and defined bottom out force, may be the preferable choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you prioritize a quicker response time and prefer a more responsive feel, the Peach may be more suitable for gaming due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt during typing or gaming sessions. For those who enjoy a bit more resilience in their keystrokes, the Cedar could be the preferred choice. Overall, the Everfree Cedar is the longer option, whereas the Outemu Peach stands out as the shorter 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 Peach (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for its satisfying and poppy sound profile, making it distinct among its peers. This feature typically enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch boasts a more neutral and muted sound. It produces a softer and quieter typing experience overall, which is ideal for those who prefer a discreet operation. Given these characteristics, while both switches offer a pleasant sound, the Everfree Cedar might appeal more to users who enjoy a pronounced auditory sensation, whereas the Peach is geared toward those who prioritize a peaceful typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch information is less specified, leaving some ambiguity regarding its tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is characterized by a mild and subtle feel, offering gentle resistance and a smooth typing experience that is user-friendly for both beginners and veterans alike. The polished nature of the Peach ensures minimal friction, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience that is less taxing on the fingers. Users can expect a refined touch with the Peach, making it suitable even for shared spaces. The Cedar's feel might vary, but based on its reputation, it is expected to come off as smooth and reliable as well.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Peach linear switches exhibit distinct sound profiles, they both cater to different user preferences. The Everfree Cedar offers a lively and engaging sound experience, while the Peach prioritizes a quiet and subtle auditory profile. In terms of feel, while Cedar's characteristics remain unknown, the Peach is designed for a smooth, mild, and polished typing experience. Depending on what the user values—be it auditory feedback or a muted approach—they can find satisfaction in either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch heavily depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re looking for a switch that delivers smooth and reliable performance with a satisfying sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent, cost-effective option. Its design encourages a more engaged typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy feeling each keystroke distinctly. Conversely, if you prefer a lightweight and muted typing experience, the Outemu Peach might be the ideal choice. With its 50 grams bottom out force, it provides a gentle yet responsive feel that's perfect for long typing sessions, especially in quieter environments where noise minimization is crucial. Ultimately, choosing the Everfree Cedar will suit you if you value audible feedback and a more pronounced typing feel, while the Peach is perfect if you seek a soft, effortless touch with less sound disruption. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall typing experience.
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