Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Poro both offer unique sensory experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Everfree Cedar is distinguished by its smooth, reliable performance and a satisfying but distinct poppy sound profile, making it a cost-effective choice for those who prioritize a polished feel and responsiveness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro stands out with its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated components, providing silky keystrokes that glide effortlessly, adorned with a bouncy and creamy sensation complemented by a more pronounced clack. While both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the snappy stability of the Everfree Cedar or the feathery ease of the HMX Poro. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Poro switches reveal distinct differences that ultimately affect the sound profiles and tactile experiences of each switch. The Everfree Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Poro opts for a nylon top housing combined with a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Everfree Cedar contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and more resonant. This is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing sound waves to travel more freely. In contrast, the HMX Poro's nylon top housing provides a softer and warmer sound profile due to nylon’s sound-absorbing characteristics, which lend themselves to producing a duller and rounder acoustic experience.
When examining the nylon bottom housings of both switches, one can observe that they are similar in their acoustic properties. Both the Everfree Cedar and the Poro rely on nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s inherent characteristics serve to absorb sound, creating a rich audio experience that users may appreciate. This uniformity provides continuity in the bottom-out sound and feel across both switches, allowing users to expect a similar performance during actuation. However, since both switches exhibit different top housing materials, the overall acoustic result will still vary widely due to the defined properties of polycarbonate vs. nylon.
From a tactile perspective, the way a user experiences each switch is heavily influenced by the combination of materials. The Everfree Cedar, with its polycarbonate top housing, will provide a clearer and sharper acoustic response during key releases, while the HMX Poro will exhibit a more muted and bass-heavy sound profile. Therefore, while the nylon bottom housing creates common ground between the two switches, the top housings will ultimately define their character, leading to distinctive tactile sensations and auditory feedback for the user. In conclusion, although both switches share similar properties in their bottom housings, the contrasting materials used in their top housings create strikingly different sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The EF Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Poro switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which is conducive for extended typing and gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press down. However, while the Poro switch has a known bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, those who favor a heavier switch may lean towards the EF Cedar, while users looking for a lighter, more comfortable option would likely prefer the HMX Poro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm positions the Everfree Cedar as the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Conversely, the Poro, with its longer travel distance, might be more suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, potentially enhancing typing comfort for longer sessions. For those who value a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying tactile experience, either switch will offer good results, but choosing the shorter Everfree Cedar will result in a more immediate actuation response.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 switch is characterized by a satisfying, poppy sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience that complements its linear design. This sound is typically described as a balance of clarity and fullness, making it a pleasing choice for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch delivers a distinctly clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive, adding a lively auditory dynamic to every keystroke. While both switches contribute to an engaging typing experience, the Everfree raises the bar with its "poppy" quality, offering a sound that is both crisp and resonant, whereas the Poro provides a sound that is more resonant and bright, contributing to its clacky profile.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Everfree (EF) Cedar excels with its snappy and polished characteristics. It offers an intuitive response that can make typing feel exhilarating, enhanced by its durable design and smooth finishing, which minimizes friction and allows for an enjoyable keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is noted for its bouncy, creamy, and feathery sensations. The bouncy feedback makes for an engaging typing experience, while the creamy texture offers a silky smoothness that ensures seamless gliding across the keys. In essence, while both switches are crafted for comfort and responsiveness, the Everfree focuses on a snappy, polished response, whereas the Poro leans toward a softer and more elastic feel.
In summary, if you seek a mechanical keyboard with smooth performance and a satisfying sound, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Poro linear switches have distinct offerings that cater to different preferences. The Everfree excels with its enjoyable auditory feedback and refined keystroke experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Poro appeals to those wanting a lighter, more dynamic typing action with its creamy and bouncy qualities. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prioritize a polished responsiveness or a lighter, more effortless keystroke experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, polished feel with a snappy and responsive keystroke, the Everfree Cedar may be your ideal choice. Its reliable performance and satisfying pop sound profile make it particularly suitable for typists who enjoy a lively typing experience without the heavy bottom-out force, which remains unknown. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light actuation and enjoy the distinct clacky sound that comes with it, the HMX Poro switch is likely to be more appealing. Its bouncy and creamy feel offers a unique typing experience that significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it excellent for long hours of typing, gaming, or work. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also your comfort level for extended use, ensuring you select the switch that best fits your personal style and typing needs.
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