Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, two notable contenders are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Red, both linear switches that offer unique advantages. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it a cost-effective option from Gateron's sub-brand, and it delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds an enjoyable acoustic layer to your typing. In contrast, while specific characteristics of the Outemu Red aren’t highlighted, it’s typically recognized for its consistency and ease of use, catering to gamers and typists alike who prioritize a straightforward linear keystroke without distractions. Both switches present compelling reasons for selection: the Everfree Cedar for its engaging sound and reliability, while the Outemu Red appeals for its user-friendly nature. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 the Outemu Red switches both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in similar sound characteristics when the switches are engaged. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a sharper, higher-pitched auditory experience, contributing to a crisper and more resonant typing sound. Additionally, both switches leverage the translucency of polycarbonate to enhance RGB lighting effects, creating a visually appealing setup for gamers and typists alike. This shared material for the top housing means that users can expect a consistent sound profile between the two switches, particularly when it comes to sound when releasing a key.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches introduce a distinctive audible quality due to their shared use of nylon. This material is known for its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Since nylon absorbs more sound, the bottom-out sound is noticeably duller and rounder when typing on both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Red. Though the two switches might share a common auditory experience vertically through the top and bottom housings, the individual characteristics of the nylon bottom can create a nuanced acoustic effect based on how each switch is constructed.
These combined influences of the housing materials work together to form a unique overall typing experience. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, users can expect a balanced blend of clarity from the top and warmth from the bottom. As a result, even discerning typists may find it challenging to distinguish between the two switches solely based on sound, as the complementary qualities counterbalance each other effectively. Overall, while the materials are consistent across both Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Red, the distinctive sound profiles and aesthetics they provide make each switch appealing in its own right.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, significant differences are evident in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Red is lighter, needing only 46 grams to register a keystroke. This discrepancy means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Outemu Red, as its lower actuation force can lead to less fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is unknown, in contrast to the Outemu Red, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that users of the Outemu Red will experience a more noticeable feedback when the switch is fully pressed down, contributing to a more substantial typing feel compared to whatever the Cedar may provide at its bottom out. Ultimately, those who enjoy a lighter switch for long-term use will find the Outemu Red more appealing, while those who prefer a stronger push may lean toward the Everfree, pending its bottom out force information.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the Everfree Cedar measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers favor for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional and satisfying depth that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. While both switches serve different preferences in terms of travel distance, the Gateron Everfree would be more suitable for those seeking a snappier response, whereas the Outemu Red is likely to appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more deliberate 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 Red 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 switch is best known for delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which enhances the overall typing experience and can provide a subtle auditory feedback that users often appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have a specific sound profile associated with it, making it somewhat more difficult to characterize. Generally, linear switches like the Red tend to be quieter, but without a defined sound quality, it’s hard to make a direct comparison on this front.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is noted for its smooth and reliable performance. This characteristic allows for an enjoyable typing experience that many users find engaging, promoting longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Outemu Red switch does not have a specified feel, but as a linear switch, it is typically characterized by a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, which might appeal to those who prefer uninterrupted key travel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar presents a pleasurable auditory and tactile experience through its distinctive sound profile and smooth feel, the Outemu Red linear switch remains more ambiguous in its qualities. If you choose the Everfree Cedar, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with both sound and feel accounted for, whereas with the Outemu Red, you might encounter a more generic linear performance without the added nuances. Ultimately, both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, but the Everfree Cedar offers a bit more character and reliable feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the specific feel you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable performance, alongside a poppy sound profile that enhances your typing experience without overwhelming noise, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a lighter switch more catered to effortless key presses. However, if you prefer a medium resistance that provides a balanced feedback during your typing sessions, the Outemu Red may be more suitable, as it offers a solid feeling with a consistent actuation. Ultimately, your decision should take into account what feels best for your typing style—whether you want a more tactile response from the steady weight of the Red switch or the smooth and nuanced performance of the Everfree Cedar. By aligning your choice with your personal comfort and typing habits, you can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
