Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When delving into the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches significantly influences the typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth and reliable performance, making it a fantastic option for gamers and typists looking for a clean keystroke without tactile feedback. Renowned for its pleasing poppy sound profile and cost-effectiveness, the Everfree Cedar embodies the qualities of snappiness and polish. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) presents a tactile experience that is both sharp and invigorating, perfect for users who crave pronounced feedback in their typing. With its resonant characteristics and satisfying clack, the POM T1 is ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive experience with each keystroke. While both switches offer unique advantages, your ultimate choice will depend on whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the engaging tactility of a tactile one. 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
67g
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
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and brighter sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic leads to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it suitable for configurations that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the top housing of the Durock POM T1 is made of POM, which tends to yield a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both materials serve the same fundamental purpose, their differing acoustic qualities suggest that users may have different preferences depending on the sound signature they desire.
Moving to the bottom housings, the two switches share a commonality in that both the Everfree Cedar and the POM T1 utilize nylon and POM materials respectively which produce sound profiles that tend to be deeper and fuller but in varying degrees. The nylon bottom housing of the Everfree Cedar is known for absorbing sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory result that can enhance the overall sound dampening effect when typing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Durock T1 also aims for a unique and satisfying sound, but it boasts a distinctly muted feel that could appeal to users who favor a slightly different auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches utilize different bottom housing materials, they might yield relatively similar deeper sound profiles that can offer a pleasant typing experience.
In essence, the composite nature of both switches illustrates how the varying materials influence their overall performance. The Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom complement each other, creating a sound profile that is both bright when keys are released and full-bodied when pressed down. Conversely, the POM T1 leverages its POM construction in both the top and bottom to maintain consistency in sound quality, favoring a more muted auditory experience throughout its operation. Ultimately, although they differ in top housing materials, both switches can provide satisfying results for users who prioritize sound quality, demonstrating that the impact of housing materials is significantly intertwined with the user's intended experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Durock POM T1's actuation force is unknown. This indicates that the Gateron switch requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke, making it suitable for those who enjoy a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the POM T1 is set at 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy and suggests a firmer bottoming feel, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its overall resistance when fully pressed. Consequently, the Durock POM T1 is the heavier switch, potentially offering a more robust tactile feedback, while the Gateron Everfree Cedar is relatively lighter in terms of actuation, making it a better choice for those who favor longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Everfree switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the POM T1. If you're looking for a switch that offers quicker response times for gaming or fast typing, the Everfree may be the better choice with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional feel with a more substantial depth that can add to the tactile experience, the POM T1's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding the balance between responsiveness and the tactile feedback of each switch.
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 POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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 has a satisfying, poppy sound profile that is both appealing and pleasant to the ear. This switch delivers a lively acoustic experience that enhances typing enjoyment, making it suitable for both casual use and gaming. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) exhibits a resonant sound characterized by a higher-pitched, sharp clean clack, alongside a neutral sound profile that maintains a moderate sound level. This makes it versatile for a range of environments, whether in an office or home setting. The overall sound experience will inevitably vary based on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, but both switches offer distinct auditory pleasures that align with their designs.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is snappy and polished, providing a highly responsive typing experience. This is due to its dual-staged springs that create a lively feedback sensation, along with a smooth key travel facilitated by quality materials and factory lubing. Conversely, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a sharp tactile response with a prominent and invigorating feedback profile. Its tactile bump is consistently strong without being overwhelming, providing a clean and crisp sensation with each keystroke. While the Everfree excels in its overall smoothness, the POM T1 emphasizes pronounced tactility, making them distinct in their respective typing experiences.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Everfree offers a smooth, snappy action paired with a satisfying auditory experience, while the POM T1 emphasizes strong tactile feedback with a crisp sound. Selecting between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a smooth linear experience or a pronounced tactile sensation, but either way, you can expect a rewarding typing experience tailored to your personal style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, your preferences and typing style will play a pivotal role. If you lean towards a typing experience characterized by smoothness and responsiveness, along with a satisfying sound that enhances your overall interaction with the keyboard, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. It provides a polished feel and snappy response, making it ideal for gaming or fast typing where precision is vital. Conversely, if you’re searching for a switch that offers distinct tactile feedback and a more engaging auditory profile, the POM T1 Sunflower is your go-to option. Its sharp and pronounced tactility creates a more immersive typing experience, making it particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing, which can be beneficial for prolonged writing sessions. In summary, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a smooth, linear experience or a textured, tactile sensation, so consider what aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
