Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent Ocean. The Everfree Cedar switches are celebrated for their smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile that enhances the tactile experience while remaining cost-effective. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches prioritize sound dampening, making them an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smoothness typical of linear switches. While the Everfree Cedar is ideal for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback, the Silent Ocean caters to those in shared spaces or who simply enjoy a more discreet keyboard. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
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
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 the Outemu Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, creating a notable similarity in their acoustic profiles. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. This shared characteristic enhances the overall typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the crisper feedback during usage. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, especially for users who prioritize RGB lighting effects. Consequently, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience stemming from their identical top housing materials, promoting clarity and brightness in sound when keystrokes are released.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Everfree Cedar and Silent Ocean are both constructed from nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in housing material affects the auditory feedback when keys are pressed or bottomed out. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and tends to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and more rounded auditory output that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This distinct combination of materials means that while the top sounds may be bright and crisp for both switches, the bottom-out sound will be characterized by a more muted and full resonance due to the nylon’s sound-dampening qualities.
Together, these materials create a unique interplay in acoustic dynamics for both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Silent Ocean. With polycarbonate on top providing clarity and nylon on the bottom delivering warmth, the user experience is defined by this thoughtful design. For those seeking a well-rounded typing sound and feel, both switches accomplish this within their respective tonal ranges, even though the nature of their sound profiles differs at each stage of the keystroke. Thus, even though the materials differ in composition, users can expect a complementary auditory experience when typing, with the top housing enhancing clarity and the bottom housing enriching the overall sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Silent Ocean, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Silent Ocean may appeal to users who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Everfree Cedar's value is unavailable, while the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. Thus, if the bottom out force were known for the Everfree Cedar, it might either align closely with or differ significantly from the Silent Ocean’s measurement. However, given the options, the Silent Ocean is the lighter switch, making it a better choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience, while the Everfree Cedar, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to users seeking a heftier feedback when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Ocean offers a more traditional feel and a greater depth during key presses, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time that is favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. Consequently, if a user prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Everfree Cedar would be the preferable choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a fuller keystroke and the satisfaction that comes with a deeper press, the Silent Ocean would be more suitable. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Cedar's shorter 3.6 mm distance contrasts with the Silent Ocean's deeper 4 mm travel, highlighting the varied experiences each switch can offer.
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 Ocean 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 provides an engaging auditory feedback as you type. This quality adds an enjoyable element to the typing experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate a bit of acoustical character in their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, but generally, linear switches are known for being quieter than tactile or clicky types. Therefore, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean may deliver that expectation, though without the distinctive pop of the Everfree Cedar.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch offers a smooth and reliable typing experience, which is characteristic of high-quality linear switches. This smooth actuation means that users can type rapidly with minimal friction or resistance, enhancing overall performance and comfort. The feel of the Silent Ocean switch, however, is not explicitly described, leaving it uncertain how it will compare to the Everfree Cedar. It's likely that the Silent Ocean will also provide a smooth experience typical of linear switches, but the lack of detailed information means the exact tactile sensation remains unknown.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences among keyboard users. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out for its poppy sound profile and smooth feel, making it a considerable choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Ocean promotes a quieter typing experience, though its specific sound and feel qualities are less defined. If you appreciate the engaging feedback of a switch, the Everfree Cedar will be a delight, while the Silent Ocean offers the promise of a more subdued acoustic signature, likely offering a smooth experience as is typical of linear switches. Overall, users will find valuable options in both, allowing for a tailored keyboard experience based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable typing experience, and you appreciate a poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar could be the ideal choice for you. Its lack of a specified bottom-out force often indicates a lighter feel, making it great for fast typists who enjoy a more effortless keypress without the heavier resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers more tactile feedback and a controlled typing experience, the Silent Ocean might be more suitable. This switch is ideal for users who type with purpose and need a bit more weight in their keystrokes to enhance accuracy. Additionally, if you're concerned about noise—perhaps for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions—the Silent Ocean's design could deliver a quieter operation. Ultimately, your decision hinges on your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you value a lighter or heavier keypress.
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