Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options stand out: the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent White, both linear switches that cater to specific preferences and use cases. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a satisfying poppy sound profile while remaining affordable, making it an attractive choice for those who want a good balance of quality and cost. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White offers a quieter typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize discretion in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. While the Cedar emphasizes a tactile auditory feedback, the Silent White focuses on noise reduction, showcasing the diverse needs of keyboard enthusiasts. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent White share striking similarities in their choice of top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This decision contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, resulting in a clear auditory feedback, which is particularly favorable for users who appreciate precision in keystrokes. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing allows for effective RGB lighting integration, making both switches a visually appealing option for those who wish to customize their keyboard aesthetics. Since both switches feature this material in their top housings, users can expect consistent sound characteristics when typing, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate regardless of brand.
However, when examining the bottom housing, notable differences emerge between the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silent White. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, imparting a unique sound profile that contrasts with the characteristics of the top housing. Nylon’s softer composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound, effectively absorbing sound waves and generating a deeper auditory experience. This distinction means that while the top housing produces a crisp sound upon release, the bottom housing of both switches tends to soften the overall feedback, creating a more rounded and subdued bottom-out sound. Therefore, the differences in material composition between the top and bottom houses significantly influence the overall typing experience, even if the top materials remain uniform.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Silent White both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a synergy of high-pitched clarity and responsive feedback, they maintain consistency in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. This shared nylon composition enhances the overall experience but introduces a contrasting sound profile at the bottom-out phase. Users can expect that the interplay of both materials will affect their typing experience differently, with the top housing contributing to a sharper sound, while the bottom housing provides depth and fullness. Thus, while they may deliver similar auditory results in terms of overall sound clarity, the nuanced differences in bottom housing materials offer a unique typing experience across devices.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar boasts an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a heavier option, while the Outemu Silent White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Silent White switch could be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or gaming without much strain. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent White switch has a documented bottom out force of 60 grams, which adds to its medium resistance feel when fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Everfree (EF) Cedar is unknown, making direct comparisons in that regard impossible. Overall, those who favor a lighter keystroke experience might lean towards the Silent White, while the Everfree seems designed for those who appreciate a more substantial push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Everfree (EF) Cedar boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Everfree switch the longer option, providing a more substantial depth that some users may find beneficial for a more tactile experience during each keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Silent White may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize quick response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Overall, your choice between these switches might depend on your preferred typing style—if you enjoy a deeper feel with more feedback, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the way to go; however, if you favor brisk, rapid strokes, the Outemu Silent White would suit you better.
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 White 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 sound profile of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy quality, providing a pleasant auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks a distinct description, suggesting it may be more muted or have less emphasis on sound. This indicates that those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback may gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, while users of the Silent White can expect a quieter typing environment. It's also important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the type of keyboard used and the keycaps applied, so users may experience variations regardless of the defaults associated with each switch.
When examining the feel of the switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, assuring a consistent typing experience that many users find appealing. The Silent White, on the other hand, does not have a specific feel profile provided, leaving potential users without a clear understanding of its tactile characteristics. This difference may lead users seeking a smooth and reliable switch to choose the Everfree Cedar, while others who are less particular about tactile feedback may find the Silent White suitable.
Overall, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch shines with its poppy sound and smooth feel, making it a compelling choice for those who value auditory feedback and reliable performance. Conversely, the lack of information surrounding the Outemu Silent White's sound and feel leaves it open to interpretation, but it may cater to those who prioritize a quieter experience. Ultimately, the Gateron Everfree provides a more defined audio and tactile experience, whereas the Silent White may offer a more subdued alternative, depending on the preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, your choice largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize smooth, reliable performance with a satisfying yet subtle sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, especially for those who seek a cost-effective solution without compromising on feel. Its unique design offers a linear experience that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it ideal for both casual and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you are in a shared space or prefer a quieter experience while typing, the Outemu Silent White with its medium bottom-out force might suit you better. Its design minimizes noise, which can be crucial in environments where sound is a consideration, all while providing a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, weigh your specific needs—whether you value sound, feel, or the intensity of actuation force—to make an informed decision that enhances your keyboard experience.
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