Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Spring Breeze can significantly influence your typing experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who prioritize a silent and uninterruptive keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, offers a pronounced tactile feedback with an enjoyable auditory click, appealing to those who relish a more engaging typing experience reminiscent of traditional typewriters. Each switch has its merits—whether you're looking for the fluidity and stealth of the Everfree Cedar or the satisfying sound and feel of the Spring Breeze. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The EF Cedar incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and acoustic properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This sonic attribute arises from polycarbonate's stiffness, which amplifies resonance and clarity, particularly appealing for users who enjoy defined keystrokes. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's top housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic that lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon result in sound absorption, creating a more muted, rounder auditory experience, which can be preferable for individuals seeking a cushioned typing feel. This fundamental difference in materials directs users toward different acoustic experiences that cater to their personal preferences.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, we find common ground as they both feature nylon. The nylon bottom housing in the EF Cedar mirrors that of the Spring Breeze, offering similar sound-dampening characteristics. This shared material contributes to a richer, thicker sound when the switch bottoms out, providing a consistent tactile and auditory feedback that enthusiasts might appreciate. Given that the bottom housing exerts a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches likely deliver a comparable experience in that regard. Therefore, while the top housings set the tone for how sound is articulated during key release, the bottom housings unify the auditory experience by enhancing depth and fullness, regardless of the differences in their top counterparts.
The contrasting materials of the top housings lead to distinctive sound profiles, while the similarity in the bottom housings results in a sense of cohesion. Overall, users can expect an engaging tactile journey when using these switches. For those who prioritize auditory clarity and responsiveness, the EF Cedar offers a more lively experience. In contrast, the Spring Breeze caters to those who favor a more subdued, rounded acoustic sensation. Ultimately, the distinct combination of materials forces users to consider their personal preferences when choosing between these two popular switch options, highlighting the importance of an informed choice in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, which indicates a stronger push required to register a keystroke, while the Spring Breeze is notably lighter, requiring only 40 grams to actuate. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that regard; however, the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light experience. Given the stated weights, the Spring Breeze will likely be preferred by those who type or game for extended periods due to its lighter actuation force, whereas the Everfree Cedar might cater to users looking for a more substantial and weighted typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the differences are notable. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Spring Breeze. This distinction means that the Cedar switch may provide a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, can offer a more substantial feel during typing, which some users might prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is the better option, while the Outemu Spring Breeze may cater to those who appreciate a deeper 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 Spring Breeze 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 characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which adds a pleasant auditory dimension without being overly intrusive. This sound can contribute to a more engaging typing experience, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's specific sound qualities aren't detailed, clicky switches generally produce a distinct, sharper sound with each actuation. This could create a more pronounced auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience for those who appreciate a tactile and audible response with each keypress.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is known for providing smooth and reliable performance, which is a hallmark of linear switches. This smoothness aids in fast-paced typing or gaming, as there are no tactile bumps to impede motion. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, being a clicky switch, is expected to deliver a tactile feedback that many users find satisfying, allowing for a sense of engagement with each keystroke. The tactile bump of clicky switches is often preferred by typists who enjoy a more pronounced interaction when pressing each key.
In conclusion, both Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Everfree Cedar offers a smooth and poppy auditory experience, ideal for those who favor a linear feel, while the Spring Breeze likely delivers an engaging clicking sound coupled with tactile feedback. Though the specific qualities of the Spring Breeze are less defined, users can anticipate a solid typing experience that contrasts with the smooth consistency of the Everfree Cedar, making both switches appealing options for newcomers.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice; its linear nature means there’s no tactile bump or click, allowing for uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. This makes it particularly suitable for those who type extensively or work in shared environments where noise could be a distraction. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound while typing, the Outemu Spring Breeze will likely be more appealing. Its medium-light actuation force can offer a lively feel that engaged typists often appreciate, making it a great option for passionate gamers or those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: smoothness and quietness, or feedback and sound, as this will lead you to the switch that best aligns with your expectations and enhances your overall typing experience.
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