Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a linear switch that provides a satisfying, poppy sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a unique hall effect design that combines smooth operation with a deep, resonant sound, delivering a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Additionally, its full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances its appeal for enthusiasts who prioritize performance and versatility. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Cedar leaning towards a straightforward, no-frills response and the Rice Pudding providing an engaging auditory experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, it is evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity in material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes significantly to this characteristic, making the sound more resonant and pronounced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for an engaging display that complements the auditory experience. Consequently, users can expect a comparable sound signature when using either switch, highlighting the efficacy of polycarbonate in enhancing both aesthetics and acoustics.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Rice Pudding switches utilizes nylon, which provides a distinctive auditory experience. Nylon’s softer composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enriches the typing experience by absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption characteristics create a more muted and rounder sound when bottoming out. As such, while both switches share similar materials for their top housings, they uphold a harmonious balance through their nylon bottom housings, producing complementary sound qualities across the full keystroke.
The overall result of combining these materials leads to a nuanced typing experience for users of both switches. As the typist engages with the Everfree (EF) Cedar or the Rice Pudding, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the clarity of release sounds, while the nylon bottom housing softens the bottom-out experiences. Thus, although the materials may differ between the top and bottom housings, they strategically combine to create an enriching auditory and tactile feedback, ensuring that typists enjoy both the clarity and depth of sound. This duality not only showcases the strengths of each material but also positions both switches as attractive options for enthusiasts seeking specific auditory qualities in their keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch differ significantly in their actuation forces, with the Cedar requiring a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the lighter 38 grams of the Rice Pudding. This means that the Rice Pudding switch may be more suitable for users seeking a comfortable typing experience over extended periods, as the lighter actuation force could reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar switch is unavailable, making a direct comparison difficult; we can only say that the Rice Pudding's bottom out force is 48 grams, which is light. As such, the Rice Pudding switch can be considered the lighter option overall, while the Cedar provides a heavier feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the two differ slightly, with the Everfree Cedar measuring 3.6 mm and the Rice Pudding at 3.5 mm. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances that appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, the Everfree Cedar is the longer of the two by just 0.1 mm. This subtle difference can influence the tactile experience, as a longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced feel when bottoming out, which some users prefer for a heartier typing experience. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding, while slightly shorter, may cater to users who prefer quicker and more responsive keystrokes, potentially offering a more abrupt feedback that some gamers find favorable. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference in terms of responsiveness versus depth.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which aligns with its reputation for providing smooth and reliable performance. This sound characteristic can add to the overall typing experience, lending a playful and engaging auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deeper sound that brings a balanced typing experience, combining smooth operation with a comforting auditory presence. While both switches provide unique sound qualities, factors like the keyboard construction and keycap materials will further influence how these characteristics are perceived during use, but both switches promise a pleasant auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable operation, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that remains predictable with each keystroke. This smoothness makes it ideal for fast typists and those who prefer a consistent actuation without unexpected disruptions. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch also emphasizes smoothness in its operation, ensuring that each keypress feels precise and satisfying. While both switches aim to provide a smooth feel, the nuances in their responses—along with user preference—could lead to different tactile impressions.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer distinctive yet complementary sound and feel characteristics. While the Cedar is marked by a poppy sound profile and a reliable smoothness, the Rice Pudding enriches the experience with its deeper sound and balanced typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking quality performance, and users may find similar satisfaction with either option depending on their personal preferences and the specific keyboard setup they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you seek. If you value a smooth, reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch may be your best bet. It excels in delivering a satisfying sound profile and an incredibly smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for daily typing, casual gaming, or for those new to mechanical keyboards who appreciate simplicity and efficiency. On the other hand, if you’re looking for precision and a versatile experience, particularly if you play games or utilize Wooting's innovative keyboards, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch might be the better option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a balanced sound, it offers a more tactile response, which can enhance both typing and gaming performance. In summary, consider the Everfree (EF) Cedar for a smooth, accessible typing experience, while the Everglide Rice Pudding shines if you seek a blend of precision and versatility.
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