Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Silent Grey switches, it's essential to recognize the distinctive qualities each brings to the typing experience. The Gateron Everfree Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile that enhances each keystroke. It's an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted and fluid keypress, ideal for rapid input without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey, classified as a tactile switch, provides a unique experience with its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying and quieter typing experience. Users who value a soft tactile response without the noise of clicky switches will appreciate this option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a high-pitched, crisp sound profile due to the stiffer nature of this plastic. This characteristic is advantageous for those looking for a sharp auditory feedback when typing, making both switches attractive choices for keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a visually appealing keyboard experience. Therefore, users of either switch can expect comparable sound clarity and aesthetic benefits when combining their keyboards with RGB lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches differs in the type of material used, although both utilize nylon, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics lead to better sound absorption compared to the polycarbonate used in the tops, providing a more rounded and muted auditory experience during typing. This sonic relationship introduces a multi-dimensional sound profile to the switches: while the top housing provides sharpness and clarity, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and warmth. Consequently, the overall typing experience will reflect a combination of these qualities, with the bottom housing contributing significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of each keypress.
While the Gateron EF Cedar and Outemu Silent Grey switches feature a blend of similar and contrasting housing materials, users can expect a harmonious interaction between the two. The polycarbonate top ensures a bright response upon release, while the nylon bottom softens the impact of key presses, culminating in a balanced auditory experience. This synergy allows users to enjoy the benefits of both a pronounced sound profile and a softer, more muted typing sensation, regardless of which switch they choose. Therefore, those seeking a satisfying typing experience with versatile sounds and aesthetics may find either option a worthy addition to their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Everfree is unknown. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Grey, which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This difference may appeal to users based on their typing preferences; those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Silent Grey more appealing, while those who enjoy a firmer push might lean towards the Everfree Cedar. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Grey has a definitive bottom out force of 65 grams, considered medium-heavy, while we lack specific data on the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar. If the bottom out force were known and comparable, users could expect similar feel during bottoming out if they matched the actuation forces, but since this data is unavailable for the Cedar, we cannot make that assertion. Overall, the Silent Grey is the lighter option, whereas the Everfree Cedar may provide a heavier and more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey switch offers a more traditional feel with greater depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar caters to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses. Therefore, if you're looking for a faster response time, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice, while the Silent Grey may suit individuals who appreciate a deeper and more substantial keystroke.
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 Grey 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 produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile. This characteristic leads to a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing, providing a sense of auditory satisfaction with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed specifically for a quiet operation, offering a highly tactile typing experience with minimal noise. While both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences, the Everfree Cedar leans toward a more pronounced sound, making it more suitable for users who appreciate auditory feedback, whereas the Silent Grey caters to individuals who prioritize a quiet environment.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a smooth keystroke that linear switches are known for, providing an effortless typing experience without any tactile resistance. This allows for a fluid motion, ideal for those who favor rapid typing or gaming. Conversely, the Silent Grey features a pronounced bump that gives users tactile feedback upon actuation, creating a satisfying sensation that enhances the typing experience. The tactile nature of the Silent Grey makes it suitable for users who enjoy a contrast between actuation points, while the Everfree Cedar allows for a more gliding action without interruptions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Grey switches serve different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Cedar switch stands out with its poppy sound and smooth feel, appealing to users who enjoy sensory feedback both audibly and through touch. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a quiet yet tactile experience for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment without sacrificing the satisfaction of key actuation. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences regarding sound and feel; selecting either switch would yield a distinctive yet enjoyable keyboard experience tailored to one's typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you’ll want to reflect on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as your environment. If you prefer a typing experience characterized by smoothness and a satisfying, poppy sound that can still provide a bit of auditory feedback during your key presses, the Everfree Cedar switches would be an excellent choice. They are particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who enjoy rapid key presses and want a cost-effective yet reliable option. On the other hand, if you find yourself working in quieter surroundings or share your space with others, the Outemu Silent Grey switch shines with its muted keystrokes and pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy feedback without the noise. This switch is perfect for individuals who appreciate a more deliberate typing style while minimizing distractions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a smooth and lively experience or a quieter, more tactile engagement with your keyboard.
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