Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Green provide distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor a cost-effective switch with a satisfying, poppy sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green, while not as widely touted for specific features, offers a unique experience with its quieter operation, making it ideal for those who value a more subdued typing environment, such as in shared spaces or during late-night gaming sessions. Both switches excel in their respective domains, catering to different user preferences and needs. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Green switches, it's evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similar acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in this context contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Both switches benefit from the stiff nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound projection but also makes these switches more visually appealing, especially when integrated with RGB lighting, creating a harmonious balance between aesthetics and auditory enjoyment.
However, the differences between the two switches become highlighted when examining their bottom housings. The Everfree (EF) Cedar employs a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, which maintains that clear and resonant sound profile throughout the switch. This results in a more cohesive auditory experience, predominantly high-pitched and crisp, characteristic of both the bottom and top housings, differentiating it from the Everfree Cedar's fuller sound.
Ultimately, the divergent materials for the bottom housing in the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Silent Green lead to distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom of the Everfree Cedar leans toward a more rounded and muted experience, while the dual polycarbonate structure of the Silent Green yields a consistently sharp and articulate sound. The final performance of each switch will depend on how these housing materials interact when the switch is engaged. With the nylon providing a unique tactile feel and sound dampening in the Cedar, and the Outemu's emphasis on clarity maintained throughout, users will gravitate toward one or the other based on their personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Green is lighter at 45 grams. This makes the Cedar a better choice for users who prefer a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Green's lighter actuation force may benefit those looking for a more effortless typing action, especially during extended use for work or gaming. As for the bottom out force, the Silent Green has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Everfree Cedar's bottom out force remains unknown. Consequently, if one were to consider overall typing experiences, the Outemu Silent Green might be seen as more forgiving during prolonged sessions, while the Everfree Cedar appeals to those who favor a firmer keystroke. In summary, the Gateron Everfree Cedar is heavier in actuation force, while the Outemu Silent Green is lighter and offers a defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Green switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the Everfree Cedar, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Everfree Cedar is likely to provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers looking for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Everfree could be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress may gravitate toward the Silent Green.
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 Silent Green 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, poppy sound profile, which can enhance the tactile experience for typists and gamers alike. The auditory feedback may contribute to a more engaging typing environment. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks notable sound characteristics, leaving its audio profile somewhat ambiguous. The sound produced by any switch, however, is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps you choose.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a smooth and reliable performance typically expected from Gateron's switches, providing a pleasant linear experience without any tactile bumps. This makes it suitable for quick typing and gaming sessions where smooth actuation is valuable. The Silent Green, while not explicitly described, is implied to maintain a linear feel similar to that of the Cedar switch. This shared linear characteristic means that users can expect a similar smoothness while typing, though the exact nuances of their tactile feedback may differ.
Overall, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch stands out with its engaging sound profile and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a more dynamic typing experience. The Outemu Silent Green linear switch, while lacking specific sound descriptors, may still present a comparable linear experience in terms of tactile feedback. For newcomers, both switches cater to users who prefer linear switches, though the Everfree Cedar might more readily satisfy expectations for auditory stimulation while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Outemu Silent Green linear switches ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable performance along with a satisfying and poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar switches are a fantastic option. They are particularly appealing if you enjoy a quieter typing experience, as they don’t require a strong actuation force, allowing for a lighter typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer more tactile feedback and require a switch that can handle heavier keystrokes, the Outemu Silent Green, with its medium 60 grams bottom out force, is the way to go. These switches are ideal if you want a sturdier feel and don't mind a bit of sound, as they can provide a solid typing experience that many users appreciate. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard—if you need a switch that balances performance with a quieter operation, choose the Everfree Cedar; if you prefer a bit of resistance and can handle more sound, go for the Silent Green.
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