Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Silver stand out as intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying, poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being overly distracting. Its cost-effectiveness makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious users who still seek quality. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, though less highlighted in terms of specific features, is typically favored for its speed and responsiveness, making it a potential favorite among gamers who prioritize quick actuation. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear typing experience, their unique characteristics can spice up the decision-making process. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
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 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute significantly to their sound profiles and overall aesthetic appeal. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, given that this material is relatively stiff. This stiffness facilitates a more clear and resonant audio experience when typing, making both switches suitable for those who value pronounced acoustics. What’s more, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visibility of RGB lighting, allowing for an appealing visual effect. In this regard, users of both switches can expect similar acoustic characteristics and aesthetic benefits.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. This uniformity in materials for the bottom housing means that both switches will deliver a similar bottom-out sound and feel during use. The acoustics and tactile feedback from both the Gateron Everfree Cedar and Outemu Silver will benefit from this complementary material choice, creating a balanced typing experience.
However, the overall performance and sound profile of these switches may vary when it comes to the distinct characteristics imparted by their top and bottom housings. As the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, it provides a more muted response, while the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a crisper release sound. Therefore, users will notice a harmonious blend of sound and tactile feedback that results from the interaction between these different materials. Although both switches are composed of the same housing materials, the combination of these materials will result in a nuanced user experience where the top housing enhances the clarity of sound upon key release, while the bottom housing offers a throaty fullness during the key press.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which signifies a moderate resistance when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, ideal for users seeking a more effortless typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is not available, while the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This means that while the Outemu Silver offers a lighter actuation for initial keystrokes, it requires more force to press down completely. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Silver would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a heavier tactile feedback might lean towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar for its higher actuation weight and unknown bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference suggests that the Cedar switch offers a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Silver switch, with its traditional 4 mm travel, may provide a more substantial and satisfying depth for those who prefer a less abrupt key press. Therefore, if you prioritize fast responsiveness, the Everfree (EF) Cedar would be the better option, while the Outemu Silver may cater to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke 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 Silver 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 offers a satisfying and poppy sound profile, contributing to a pleasant acoustic experience while typing. This characteristic can enhance the enjoyment of using the keyboard, as it delivers a sound that some users may find appealing for both casual and gaming experiences. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks defined sound qualities in the available information, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary based on additional factors like the specific keyboard build and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is known for providing smooth and reliable performance, which makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. This sense of fluidity can be a significant advantage for users who prioritize a seamless experience while typing. The feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not specified, leaving its tactile qualities open to speculation. However, it is likely to provide a linear experience, similar to other linear switches, which may lead to comparable feelings of smoothness during use.
In conclusion, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch clearly stands out with its joyful sound profile and smooth feel, making it an attractive option for newcomers looking for a dependable linear switch. While the Outemu Silver lacks specified characteristics, users may still enjoy a linear experience, albeit without the unique sound benefits of the Everfree Cedar. Ultimately, both switches cater to those who appreciate linear designs, but the Everfree Cedar offers a more refined auditory experience alongside its performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable performance coupled with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its lightweight feel allows you to type with minimal resistance, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are necessary. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silver might be more to your liking. This switch provides a firmer feel, which can be beneficial for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing approach, enhancing control during both typing and gaming. Consider your ergonomic needs, the type of activities you'll engage in, and the sound profiles that appeal to you as you make your decision; the right switch will significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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