Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing a variety of options to find the one that best suits their typing style. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Perky are two intriguing linear switches that illustrate the diversity available in the market. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a satisfying, poppy sound profile while remaining a cost-effective choice from Gateron's sub-brand. On the other hand, the HMX Perky distinguishes itself with its softer, glittery nylon housings, offering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, along with a shorter travel distance that results in a more condensed feel. Both switches present unique advantages: the Cedar is ideal for users seeking dependable feedback and sound, while the Perky caters to those who appreciate a quick, soft touch during their typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Perky switches present an interesting comparison in housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall user experience. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is designed to provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switch is activated. In contrast, the HMX Perky employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer properties which absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials sets the two switches apart, highlighting the varied sound profiles that can be achieved through housing material choices.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a shared characteristic, as both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Perky utilize nylon material for their bottom sections. This choice results in a deeper and more resonant sound profile for both switches when the keys bottom out. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-dampening qualities, typing on either switch will yield a full-bodied acoustic experience that is characterized by a softer, duller sound compared to a switch housing made of harder materials. Thus, while the top housings of the two switches result in distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness in sound across both switches when pressed.
Ultimately, the interplay between the differing top housing materials and the matching bottom housings in the Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Perky switches creates a unique acoustic landscape for each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Everfree contributes clarity and brightness to the sound when a key is released, while the nylon top of the Perky fosters warmth and roundness in the sound produced. However, the nylon bottoms of both switches provide a common groundwork of deeper tones, affecting how users perceive the overall tactile and auditory experience. Consequently, although users can expect varying sound profiles based on the top materials, the nylon bottom houses ensure a familiar richness in sound that complements both designs, which could lead to a satisfying typing experience no matter the choice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Perky is lighter at 43 grams. This means that typists looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use may find the Perky more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Perky has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which contributes to its overall tactile experience. Therefore, while the Everfree Cedar offers a heftier actuation force that some may prefer for a more substantial typing feel, the HMX Perky stands out for those seeking a lighter option. If both switches had a bottom out force, similar results could be anticipated if their bottom out forces roughly aligned; however, without that information for the Cedar, consumers are left to consider the significant actuation force difference between the two.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the EF Cedar the longer option, providing a more pronounced key press that may appeal to users who prefer the tactile feedback of deeper switches. In contrast, the Perky’s shorter travel distance may be favored by those seeking quicker response times, especially gamers who benefit from swifter key actuation. Both switches are designed for different user preferences, with the Cedar providing a more substantial typing experience and the Perky catering to those who favor speed and efficiency. If a user is looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Gateron Everfree may be the better choice, while the HMX Perky offers a more streamlined option for rapid action.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is known for its smooth, poppy sound profile, making it an enjoyable option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. This satisfying sound is a result of Gateron's trusted proprietary mold, which contributes to a reliable performance overall. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch features a more muted sound, attributed to its softer nylon housings. This can create a quieter typing environment, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. It's worth noting that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard construction and keycap material, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a smooth and consistent typing experience that many users find satisfying. The design allows for a reliable performance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is characterized by a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, enhanced by its shorter travel distance. This condensed travel can lead to a quicker response and overall agility while typing, appealing especially to users who favor speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Perky linear switches have their unique characteristics, they ultimately cater to different preferences. The Everfree Cedar excels in producing a poppy sound and offers a smooth feel, making it a strong contender for those who enjoy audible feedback. In contrast, the Perky's quieter operation and shorter travel distance present a compelling choice for users seeking a neutral typing experience. Your final choice may ultimately come down to which qualities resonate with your personal typing style, as both switches can provide satisfying results based on their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you seek a smooth and satisfying typing experience with an emphasis on reliability and a pleasing sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is a commendable option. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with minimal resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where consistent performance is key. However, if you enjoy a more condensed and neutral typing experience combined with a bit of extra tactile pleasure from the softer, glittery nylon housing, the HMX Perky may be the better choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams promotes a more effortless typing style, ideal for users who appreciate a quicker response and may benefit from the ease of rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, consider what factors matter most to you in your keyboard experience—whether you prioritize smoothness and reliability or a softer, more condensed action—so you can make the best decision for your setup.
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