Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Piano present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing users with a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it a cost-effective choice for those who want dependable quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Durock Piano captures attention with its unique proprietary material blend, offering a glide-like push feel complemented by a deep, creamy sound signature, which many typists find pleasurable and immersive. While the Everfree Cedar appeals to budget-conscious users looking for a straightforward, enjoyable typing experience, the Durock Piano is aimed at those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback and tactile sensation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Piano switches, a distinct contrast arises between the top housings. The Everfree Cedar utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's output, particularly valuable for users who prioritize a pronounced sound when engaging with their keyboards. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which, while not explicitly detailed, is designed to create a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. This suggests that the Piano's top housing may emphasize a rounder and, potentially, a more subdued auditory experience, contrasting sharply with the distinctly sharper character of the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate.
In exploring the bottom housing materials, both the Everfree Cedar and the Durock Piano switch to more traditional options, with the Cedar adopting nylon and the Piano employing a proprietary blend of POM. The nylon material in the Everfree Cedar is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience with a more muted tonal quality. Conversely, the Durock Piano's POM blend is similarly noted for delivering a deep sound profile, indicating that it, too, reduces sharpness in favor of a more robust auditory output. Though both switches utilize different materials—nylon for the Cedar and POM for the Piano—the result seems to be similar in crafting a rich sound experience on the bottom-out, setting an interesting juxtaposition against their respective top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differing top and bottom housing materials of the Everfree Cedar and Durock Piano serve to present a fascinating interplay in their acoustic characteristics. While the Cedar's polycarbonate top contributes clarity and brightness, and the nylon bottom offers depth, the Piano achieves a similar balance with its POM blend across both housings. If users are seeking a cohesive auditory experience, the combined effects of both switches can lead to comparable results. Those who prefer the pronounced sounds of the Cedar may find it beneficial for crisp tactile feedback, while others who lean towards the warmth of the Piano can enjoy a uniform deep sound without the sharpness. This exemplifies how the harmonious design of switch materials can cater to various preferences, enabling keyboard enthusiasts to select models that align closely with their desired auditory and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it performs once fully pressed down. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, although its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests that while the Gateron Everfree may feel lighter with its known actuation force, it could potentially have a similar bottom out experience to the Durock Piano, depending on its unlisted measurement. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged use or gaming, the Everfree Cedar might be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, you may lean towards the Durock Piano switch due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano measures 4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the shorter option, catering to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times and more rapid actuation. In contrast, the Durock Piano’s longer travel distance of 4 mm allows for a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may prefer for the extra depth and feedback it provides. Thus, your choice between these switches might hinge on whether you lean towards the snappier feel of the Cedar or the more robust engagement of the Piano.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch excels with its poppy sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. This pleasant sound characteristic enhances the typing experience, creating an engaging and enjoyable environment. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch produces a deeper and richer sound that can be described as bassy. This sound profile embodies a lower frequency range, offering a more profound auditory experience when typing. While both switches have appealing sound qualities, the Everfree's poppy sound contrasts with the deep, resonant richness of the Piano switch.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch's precise tactile attributes are less defined, which leaves us without specific descriptors for comparison. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its frictionless and silky feel, contributing to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The Pianos minimize any resistance, allowing for fluid key travel that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. Thus, while the Everfree Cedar may deliver reliable performance, the Pianos offer an unparalleled smoothness that many typists seek.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Durock Piano switches have their distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Everfree provides a satisfying poppy sound, while the Piano offers a deeper, bassy audio experience. On the tactile front, the Piano stands out with its frictionless and silky feedback, making it a favorite for those who prioritize smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the engaging pop of the Everfree or the rich, smooth experience of the Piano.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you lean towards a smoother, more affordable typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be the better fit for you. It's ideal for those who want a reliable performance without breaking the bank, making it well-suited for everyday typing tasks or casual gaming. However, if you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a richer, bassy sound along with an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing sensation, the Durock Piano switch would likely serve you better. The Piano offers a delightful gliding push feel and deep sound signature that appeals to those who seek premium tactile feedback and engaging auditory experience. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value cost-effectiveness and a lighter switch versus a heavier, richer feel with superior smoothness for extended typing or gaming sessions.
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