Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switches play a crucial role in defining your typing experience, particularly with linear options like the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Poseidon. The Everfree (EF) Cedar, a product of Gateron's reputable sub-brand, is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, along with a satisfying poppy sound profile, making it an attractive choice for gamers and typists alike who value both functionality and auditory delight. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon, while lacking notable features in its design, still offers a straightforward linear experience that some users may prefer for its simplicity and user-friendly feel. Selecting between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and performance; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
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
stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches, the stark differences in their top housings are noteworthy. The Everfree Cedar employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is praised for its stiffness and translucency, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material’s rigidity contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for enhancing RGB lighting effects due to its transparent nature. In contrast, the Poseidon features a POM top housing which, while retaining a pleasing sound quality, tends towards a deeper and more muted profile. This fundamental variance indicates that the Everfree Cedar is geared more towards users who prefer a sharper auditory experience, whereas the Poseidon caters to those who prefer a rounder and softer sound profile in their tactile feedback.
While the top housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, their bottom housings present a more nuanced comparison. The Everfree Cedar utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively. Meanwhile, the Poseidon also incorporates POM for its bottom housing. Although both the Jerrzi Poseidon and the Everfree Cedar feature materials that contribute to muted sound profiles for the bottom housing, the nylon of the Cedar presents a slightly softer response compared to the unique sound attributes of POM. Therefore, while both switches offer deeper sound experiences within their bottom housings, they could produce different auditory textures depending on the specific compositions and characteristics of the materials.
Understanding how these distinct housing materials influence sound profiles can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences. Users of the Everfree Cedar may appreciate its ability to enhance RGB lighting through clear polycarbonate while enjoying a higher-pitched sound profile. Conversely, those selecting the Poseidon will likely value its deeper sound quality combined with appealing aesthetics provided by the POM housing. Ultimately, despite some similarities, the variations in top housing materials may lead to distinct auditory experiences, especially during key release, while both switches maintain an overall muted quality in the bottom-out sound and feel due to their respective bottom housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Everfree Cedar requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, in contrast to the lighter 40 grams needed for the Poseidon. This difference in actuation force means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter feel and longer typing sessions would likely favor the Poseidon switch, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the firmer push of the Everfree Cedar. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it impossible to compare the bottoming out characteristics. Overall, the Poseidon is the lighter option, leading to possibly less fatigue over extended use, while the Everfree Cedar offers a more robust push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Everfree measures at 3.6 mm, while the Poseidon offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Everfree Cedar the more traditional option with a longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a deeper key feel, while the Poseidon, with its shorter distance, is likely to appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. If you're looking for a more responsive switch, you might lean towards the Poseidon, but if you value a sense of depth in your key presses, the Everfree would be the preferable choice. Overall, the difference signifies a distinct approach to key feel and responsiveness between the two switches.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 linear switch is known for its satisfying, poppy sound profile that offers a pleasing auditory feedback during use. This aspect can enhance the typing experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate an auditory cue. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch lacks a detailed description of its sound characteristics, making it difficult to compare directly. It is essential to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps used, which can lead to a similar acoustic experience irrespective of the switch type chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, allowing for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, ideal for prolonged usage. Conversely, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon switch, leaving its characteristics unknown. Thus, while the EF Cedar provides a clear indicator of its feel, the Poseidon may require further exploration to fully understand its tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch distinguishes itself with a well-defined sound and feel, making it a cost-effective and satisfying choice for newcomers. The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, while lacking specific sound and feel descriptions, remains a wildcard that may offer comparable results depending on its construction and the user's preferences. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver a personalized experience, but the Everfree Cedar stands out for its established qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a smooth and reliable performance and are looking for a cost-effective option that provides a satisfying, poppy sound experience, the Everfree Cedar will likely be your best choice. Its design emphasizes a consistent feel, making it a great option for both gaming and typing, especially if you appreciate the tactile feedback it offers. On the other hand, if you're prioritizing something with unique characteristics yet comparatively less information, the Poseidon switch may intrigue you, especially if you aim to experiment with different switch sounds and feels. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards cost-effectiveness and established reliability with the Everfree Cedar or are open to exploring the less-documented aspects of the Poseidon. Both switches have their merits, so weigh these factors against your typing style to determine which switch best fits your needs.
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