Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, your personal preferences and typing style play a crucial role. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar stands out as a linear switch characterized by its smooth and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without tactile distractions. With its cost-effective price point and a satisfying, poppy sound profile, this switch appeals to gamers and typists alike who desire quick actuation without the feedback of a tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a different experience altogether, featuring a light to medium level of tactility that delivers a pleasing "thocky" sound when typing. This switch's bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complements its clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, making it an appealing option for users who enjoy the tactile sensation and auditory feedback associated with their keystrokes. Both switches cater to distinct typing preferences and styles, thus influencing the overall typing feel and sound of your keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate tops, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience when typing. Given that polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the overall keypress experience. Aesthetically, both switches exhibit a translucent quality due to the polycarbonate material, making them particularly compatible with RGB lighting setups. Users looking for a vibrant visual display alongside an engaging auditory feedback will find similarities in the top housing performance of both switches, indicating that they will likely produce a comparable sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the materials used in both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Red Panda are also the same—nylon. Nylon, characterized as a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinctive quality arises from nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics such as polycarbonate. As a result, the bottom-out sound of both switches tends to be duller and rounder, adding a rich undertone to the typing experience. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, this shared material means that users can expect similar auditory characteristics when bottoming out.
Combining the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings illustrates how the Everfree (EF) Cedar and Outemu Red Panda can produce a harmonious and well-rounded sound profile overall. While the top housing contributes a sharp and crisp sound during release due to the polycarbonate material, the nylon bottom housing balances this with a softer and fuller sound experience when pressing down the keys. Therefore, despite any other differences in design or feel, the consistent use of material—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—in both switches ensures that users will have a somewhat cohesive and engaging audio experience, making these two switches appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking optimal sound and functionality.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch with the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Red Panda's 50 grams. This means that the Cedar switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke, while the lighter Red Panda may be more suitable for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended periods. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that respect. The Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Outemu Red Panda would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a firmer keystroke might gravitate towards the Gateron Everfree Cedar, depending on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the differences are notable. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda measures 3.3 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a deeper keystroke experience for users who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, making it easier to register key presses rapidly. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness, with the Everfree Cedar catering to those who enjoy a more substantial press and the Red Panda serving those who favor a snappier action.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is characterized by a satisfying and poppy tone, which gives a sense of crispness with each keystroke. This engaging sound is balanced with a focus on smoothness, making it an enjoyable experience for those who love the linear switch sound signature. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a more complex auditory experience, featuring a distinctive bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that is paired with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination provides a unique auditory feedback that many typists find deeply satisfying, reminiscent of the "thocky" sound that adds to the overall enjoyment of typing.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch excels in delivering a smooth typing experience that accentuates reliability and performance. This makes it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, as it does not induce fatigue due to its linear nature. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch presents a mild tactile experience that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overwhelming. With its gentle tactility, it ensures typing remains approachable for various users while still offering a more engaging experience than a straight linear switch.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Outemu Red Panda switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they can satisfy distinct typist needs. The Everfree provides a smooth auditory and tactile experience that caters well to those who prefer linear switches. Conversely, the Red Panda offers a more textured sound and feel, appealing to those seeking a blend of tactile feedback and varied auditory dimensions. Depending on your priorities—whether you lean toward smoothness and pop or a richer sound and mild tactility—both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with distinctly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a buttery smooth typing experience without tactile bumps, the Everfree Cedar is an ideal choice. Its linear design offers a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, if sound dampening is a priority, the Cedar’s less pronounced sound profile may suit quieter environments. On the other hand, if you appreciate a gentle tactile feedback that provides a satisfying "bump" during typing, then the Outemu Red Panda is the way to go. The combination of its mild tactility and rich, thocky sound can enhance the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for both gaming and casual use. Therefore, consider your preference for either smoothness or tactile sensation, as well as your desired sound profile, to determine which switch will best meet your needs.
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