Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Bsun Ragdoll 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 Bsun Ragdoll offer two intriguing options, both categorized as linear switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a satisfying poppy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. With its cost-effective pricing, this switch is ideal for users seeking quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out due to its Y3 stem that ensures smooth travel, as well as a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to its distinct clacky sound. This switch may appeal to those who appreciate a tactile audio feedback while maintaining linearity. Both switches cater to different preferences, and understanding their unique characteristics can greatly influence your decision. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Bsun Ragdoll switches showcase distinct characteristics in their construction materials, influencing both acoustics and aesthetic appeal. The Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffness. This quality not only enhances sound clarity but also grants the switch an appealing translucency, making it particularly suitable for setups with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ragdoll's nylon top housing provides a softer sound profile that is duller and rounder, resulting from the material's inherent sound-absorbing properties. This difference in materials is pivotal; while the Everfree Cedar excels in delivering bright and resonant sounds, the Ragdoll caters to users seeking deeper and more muted auditory feedback.
Turning to the bottom housings of these switches, we find a shared use of nylon in both the Everfree Cedar and the Ragdoll. This similarity means that both switches benefit from the same foundational depth and fullness in sound, as both utilize nylon's softer properties to dampen noise. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, typists can expect a consistent experience between the two switches in that regard. This shared material ensures that whether you're using the Everfree Cedar or the Ragdoll, the tactile feedback during the actuation and bottoming out will provide a familiar, rich auditory experience.
Overall, while the Everfree Cedar and Ragdoll differ notably in their top housing materials, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings creates a common ground in their acoustic profiles. The Everfree Cedar may offer a crisp sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the Ragdoll tempts with the allure of a soft and round resonance from its nylon construction. By understanding how the interplay between housing materials affects sound and feel, users can make an informed choice based on their preferences for different auditory experiences while enjoying the deeper, fuller sound characteristics inherent in both models' bottom housings.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Ragdoll, which features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Everfree Cedar might provide a more substantial feel during typing, possibly appealing to those who favor a stronger push experience. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Ragdoll may be preferable for users who wish to type for longer sessions without fatigue. However, the lack of available data on the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar means we cannot compare this aspect directly with the Ragdoll's known bottom out force of 52 grams. Overall, users seeking a heavier switch experience may gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar, while those looking for a softer touch might opt for the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference means that the Everfree Cedar offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s longer travel distance may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel during key presses, providing a sense of depth that some may find more satisfying. Therefore, the choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preference: those favoring quicker actuation times might lean towards the Everfree Cedar, while those who appreciate a deeper engagement might opt for the Ragdoll.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 noted for delivering a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can provide an enjoyable auditory feedback during typing. Meanwhile, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound, largely resulting from its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. Both switches exhibit distinct auditory qualities; the Everfree Cedar leans towards a more pronounced "pop" that contributes to an engaging typing experience, while the Ragdoll will present a sharper, more resonant sound. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycap material, so experiences may vary based on a user's specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is recognized for its smooth and reliable performance, ensuring a consistent typing experience that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch boasts a Y3 stem that promotes smooth travel throughout its actuation. Both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable tactile experience, but the Ragdoll may offer a more dynamic sensation as it produces a different sound profile that can be felt through the typing action.
Considering the overall qualities, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Everfree Cedar's poppy sound and smooth operation provide a reliable choice for those who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback, whereas the Ragdoll presents a clackier sound that can enhance the perceptual feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences—if you're looking for a rich, poppy sound versus a more resonant clack, along with smooth travel functionality.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you're seeking a switch that offers a smooth and reliable experience, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option, especially if you appreciate a cost-effective alternative that delivers a satisfying and poppy sound profile. It is well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming, where a light actuation force can enhance speed and reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a more tactile feedback with a slightly clackier sound, the Bsun Ragdoll may be your go-to choice. Its Y3 stem design contributes to a smooth travel feel, making it a solid option for those who want a bit of character in their keystrokes. Thus, consider your personal sound and feel preferences, as well as how the switches might align with your daily activities, to determine which switch will best complement your mechanical keyboard experience.
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