Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly alter the typing experience, and two popular options worth comparing are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Tom. The Everfree Cedar is a linear switch known for its smooth and quiet keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps. This switch is celebrated for its reliability and satisfying sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a clean actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that provides a distinct bump during key presses, offering feedback that many users find satisfying—ideal for typists who enjoy the extra sensation of each keystroke. While the Everfree Cedar caters to those seeking a fluid typing experience, the Outemu Tom attracts those who prefer a more interactive feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to strikingly similar acoustic properties. The choice of polycarbonate—a stiffer, clearer plastic—creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that is both crisp and resonant. This shared use of material highlights an important aesthetic quality as well, as the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the visual appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, but also ensures that the sound characteristics are akin to one another. Users looking for a vibrant, clear sound signature will find these switches deliver comparable acoustic experiences due to their identical top housing materials.
In contrast, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Tom utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which significantly influences the overall acoustic profile of each switch. Nylon is well-regarded for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper, fuller sound that creates a warmer acoustic experience. This characteristic contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a well-rounded auditory experience when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted bottom-out sound, which is especially noticeable with these two switches—their bottoms will contribute fullness and warmth, effectively balancing out the clarity provided by the polycarbonate tops.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Tom means that despite any individual variances in other qualities, users can expect a harmonious blend of high-pitched clarity and deep warmth. The interplay between a sharper top sound and a fuller bottom sound will create an engaging typing experience that is consistent across both switch models. Therefore, if one seeks to achieve a similar sound profile and feel, they can feel confident that both options will deliver satisfying results, thanks to their identical housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch both feature the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that users will experience a consistent resistance when pressing the keys to trigger a keystroke. However, the information regarding their bottom out forces is currently unavailable for both switches, which leaves a gap in understanding how much additional force is needed to press the key all the way down. Despite this absence of specific data, the equal actuation force indicates that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. Since both have the same actuation force, neither switch can be classified as lighter or heavier based on this metric alone. Users who prefer a lighter key feel for extended typing or gaming may find this characteristic appealing, while those seeking a more substantial feel may still find satisfaction in the 55 grams actuation force. However, without knowledge of the bottom out force, it's challenging to fully compare the feel and feedback of these switches when pressed down fully.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the EF Cedar provides a deeper key press, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Tom’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, offering a more immediate actuation compared to the Cedar. Overall, if you prioritize a more profound typing experience, the Everfree Cedar is the way to go, while those who prefer rapid feedback may find the Outemu Tom more suitable.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds a pleasant acoustic element to your typing experience. This means that, while no click is present, the audible response is distinct and enjoyable. The Outemu Tom tactile switch, on the other hand, does not have a defined sound profile available. This lack of information makes it difficult to assess its audio characteristics, but it's important to note that sound can also vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, characteristic of linear switches that provide a consistent travel with no tactile bump. This offers an uninterrupted and fluid typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a seamless keypress without additional feedback. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch remains unspecified, leaving uncertainty regarding its tactile response. Generally, tactile switches provide a noticeable bump, giving users feedback upon actuation, but without specific details, one cannot compare it directly.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is celebrated for both its enjoyable sound profile and smooth tactile feedback, the Outemu Tom lacks a clear sound and feel profile to draw from. Therefore, if you are after a reliable and budget-friendly linear switch with a poppy sound, the Everfree Cedar stands out as a solid choice. In contrast, the Tom's evaluations depend on other factors yet to be revealed, making it a less predictable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, your decision should be guided by your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you appreciate a smooth, consistent keystroke without any tactile bump and enjoy a reliable performance while typing or gaming, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is an excellent choice. Its linear nature ensures a sleek transition without interruptions, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions where you want minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you seek feedback in your keystrokes that enhances your typing experience with a tactile bump, the Outemu Tom switch may be more suited to your needs. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a noticeable response with each press, which can improve typing accuracy for both casual and professional use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted experience or a tactile feel that engages your fingertips, ensuring that your keyboard setup aligns perfectly with your personal typing style.
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