Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance at an accessible price point, featuring a satisfying, poppy sound profile that appeals to those seeking an engaging typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight all-POM switch that combines affordability with exceptional smoothness, delivering a distinctive thocky sound that can enhance the auditory feedback of each keystroke. While both switches excel in providing a linear feel devoid of tactile bumps, their sound profiles and materials contribute to variances in user 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The Everfree Cedar's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the auditory experience but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is associated with a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to varying sound experiences, the Everfree Cedar’s polycarbonate lends itself to a brightness that the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie cannot replicate.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches feature distinctive materials that shape their sound further. The Everfree Cedar employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound as you type. This contrasts with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, which similarly offers a unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is relatively muted. While both bottom materials have the ability to influence sound quality, the nylon accentuates a rounder sound, whereas the POM maintains a distinctive auditory clarity that contrasts with its top housing.
Combining both sets of housings, the overall sound experience provided by each switch becomes apparent. The Everfree Cedar, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, allows for a typing experience rich in texture, delivering clarity on key release while producing a full sound when bottoming out. In comparison, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a unique sound profile with its POM top and bottom housing; both together create a pleasant, muted, and deeper auditory texture. Therefore, while the materials used in the housings differ, they each contribute to distinct sound profiles that can resonate similarly in how they enhance the typing experience, underscoring the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a heavier switch that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams, which could benefit users looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods, ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so we cannot compare this aspect directly. However, since the actuation forces differ, users can expect a different typing feel: the Cedar may provide a more deliberate press, while the Smoothie aims for ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for switch weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures at 3.7 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers who benefit from a more rapid actuation. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a longer travel distance, which can be more satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key actuation.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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, poppy sound, which adds a lively and enjoyable auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch presents a thocky sound profile that is typically deeper and more resonant. While both switches feature linear designs that lend themselves to a quieter typing experience compared to tactile or clicky switches, the distinct tonal qualities—poppy versus thocky—impart different character to each switch, depending on personal preference and environmental acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its smooth and reliable performance, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable typing experience without tactile bumps or resistance. The Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, is also designed for exceptional smoothness, coupled with a medium weight, providing a balanced and firm feel during operation. Both switches share a common emphasis on smooth actuation, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's medium weight may cater to users who prefer a bit more feedback during their typing sessions, while the Everfree Cedar’s lighter touch may be suitable for those who favor faster keystrokes.
Overall, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can cater to a variety of user preferences. The choice between the two will largely depend on the desired sound profile—poppy versus thocky—and the preferred weight and feel during use. Whether selecting the Everfree Cedar for its lively sound or the Sea Salt Smoothie for its deeper resonance, both switches promise reliability and smooth performance, making either an excellent addition to a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you’re after a cost-effective switch that delivers smooth and reliable performance with a satisfying, poppy sound profile, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice. Its design is well-suited for those who appreciate a lighter typing experience paired with responsiveness, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who need quick key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight with a thocky sound and an exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better option for you. It strikes a balance between satisfying tactile feedback and auditory pleasure, perfect for users who enjoy a little heft in their switches and want to make a statement with their keyboard's sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the type of experience you seek, whether it’s the quick agility of the Everfree or the richer texture of the Smoothie.
Mentioned in this article
