Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Purple offer two distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is a linear switch, renowned for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a seamless keystroke that appeals to both gamers and typists looking for an uninterrupted flow of motion. Its cost-effective nature makes it an attractive choice for those on a budget, while the satisfying, poppy sound profile adds a unique auditory element. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is characterized as a tactile switch, designed to offer feedback through a noticeable bump during the actuation process. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience, particularly for users who enjoy a responsive feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—smoothness versus tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
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
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 Outemu Purple switches share a significant similarity in their choice of housing materials, which are both composed of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, resulting in a high-pitched and crisp auditory experience while typing. This attribute is particularly beneficial for users seeking an engaging acoustic feedback when using the switches, especially if they are utilizing RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the visual aesthetics by allowing light to pass through effectively. Thus, both switches promise similar experiences in terms of sound clarity and visual appeal.
In contrast, the materials used for the bottom housings of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Purple switches bring a distinctively different auditory quality to the overall typing experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, they create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing nature. While this contributes to a rounder and less piercing auditory feedback, it effectively balances the sharper qualities of the top housing. Therefore, when one types on either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel, heavily influenced by the nylon material, will deliver a gratifying depth that complements the acoustics from the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the combination of the housing materials ensures that while the typing experience may share some similarities, the overall sound profile is a nuanced blend of high-pitched notes and deeper undertones. The polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of keystrokes, while the nylon bottom mellows the overall feedback, creating a well-rounded experience for users who enjoy both sharper and fuller sound characteristics. Thus, despite similarities in material usage, the interplay between the two different housing types offers a unique and satisfying tactile feel and auditory experience across both Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Purple switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Purple has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Purple switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unavailable, which means we can't draw a direct comparison in that aspect. However, with the information available, it is clear that the Everfree Cedar is the heavier option, providing a stronger push feel that some typists may favor for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users' preferences will dictate which switch is more appealing based on their desired typing feel and duration.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Purple switch, providing a quicker response time that might appeal to gamers seeking rapid key actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, with its 4 mm travel, offers a more pronounced depth that may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches comes down to personal preference: choose the shorter Everfree switch for enhanced responsiveness or the longer Purple switch for a more satisfying 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 Purple 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
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This switch's design lends itself to a smoother sound, which can be appealing in quieter work environments. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile, which means that its auditory characteristics remain undisclosed. However, it’s crucial to remember that sound quality can also be influenced by external factors like the keyboard’s construction, the choice of keycaps, and the material they are made from, meaning that both switches can vary in sound depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, giving users a seamless experience as they press down the keys. The linear nature means there are no tactile bumps or clicks, making it ideal for those who prefer a consistent actuation without interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch, classified as tactile, likely features a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing feedback to the user during key presses. This distinct tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Purple switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gateron switch offers a poppy audio characteristic, while the Outemu's sound remains unspecified. However, the feel of the Everfree switch is smooth and consistent, contrasting with the tactile feedback of the Outemu. Ultimately, users seeking a linear experience may gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, whereas those who appreciate tactile feedback might find the Outemu Purple more to their liking. Your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're looking to achieve. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keystroke with a quiet operation for a more serene typing experience, the Everfree Cedar could be the ideal choice. Its linear characteristics make it great for fast-paced gaming or for tasks that benefit from minimal tactile feedback, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the board. On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards a tactile sensation that provides clear, noticeable feedback with every keypress—perfect for typing or programming—then the Outemu Purple might suit you better. The tactile bump can help you maintain better finger positioning without needing to bottom out the keys as aggressively, which may also reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, consider your primary usage scenario: whether you favor a smooth, quiet operation or a more responsive, tactile feel to guide your final decision.
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