Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preferences and typing needs. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a nice balance of responsiveness and a satisfying sound profile. Ideal for budget-conscious users, it provides a poppy acoustic experience without sacrificing quality. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has been expertly crafted for those who crave a serene typing environment, featuring an ultra-light bottom out force of just 43g that makes for an almost ethereal typing experience. This switch is particularly appealing for light typists or anyone seeking a whisper-quiet setting, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With each switch catering to distinct user preferences—be it sound and feedback with the Everfree Cedar or tranquility with the Silent Sakura—it's essential to consider what best suits your typing style. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct sound profiles largely due to the differing materials used in their top housings. The Everfree Cedar utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clear and resonant character. Conversely, the Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting from nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. This fundamental difference in housing materials plays a significant role in the overall acoustic output of each switch, ultimately tailoring the user experience depending on individual preferences for sound.
The bottom housings of these switches also demonstrate an interesting contrast. The EF Cedar's bottom housing is made from nylon, reinforcing the deeper and rounder sound characteristic typical of nylon. This choice effectively enhances the overall acoustic depth when the switch is bottomed out. In stark contrast, the Silent Sakura incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing that similarly instills a sharper and more resonant sound. As these two switches adopt different combinations of materials for their bottom housings, the experience during a keypress will vary; the Everfree Cedar may lead to a fuller sound upon bottoming out while the Silent Sakura might provide a more pronounced click due to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Everfree Cedar and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g diverge in their housing materials, the balance of top and bottom compositions still allows for similar end results in some respects. Both switches leverage the strengths of their materials to create a unique tactile experience. The top housing's influence is most noticeable on the release sound, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sensation and sound. Thus, users could achieve a balanced typing experience across both switches, although the distinct sound profiles will cater to specific preferences among enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Everfree Cedar has a notably heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Sakura is significantly lighter at 37 grams. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Everfree Cedar will require more effort to trigger a keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a clear bottom out force of 43 grams, but the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar remains unknown. Consequently, for those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Sakura would be the ideal choice, while users seeking a heavier resistance might gravitate towards the Everfree Cedar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Everfree (EF) Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that offers a quicker response time, the Gateron Everfree with its shorter distance may be more suitable, particularly for gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced bottom-out feel and a more traditional typing experience. Thus, while the Everfree Cedar is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, the Silent Sakura provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying keypress for users who favor a more substantial feedback on their presses.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch features a satisfying, poppy sound profile that adds character to each keystroke, enhancing the auditory feedback for the typist. This gives a sense of interaction with the keyboard, which can be particularly gratifying for those who enjoy acoustics as part of their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed to provide an ultra-quiet typing experience, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops on a window. This whisper-soft characteristic allows for a more discreet environment, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be an issue. While the Everfree offers that gratifying pop, the Silent Sakura suits those needing a serene atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch is known for its smooth and reliable performance, providing a consistent linear action that typists can execute with confidence. This tactile feedback allows for an enjoyable typing experience as the switch glides resistance-free through the keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is tailored for lighter typists, featuring an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g. This facilitates a very fluid, effortless typing experience, which can be particularly appealing for those who prefer less resistance and a more delicate touch when typing. Ultimately, while both switches aim for a linear feel, the Everfree leans toward a more standard experience, whereas the Silent Sakura caters to minimal resistance.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present different strengths appealing to varied typing preferences. The Everfree offers a more pronounced auditory experience with its poppy sound and smooth linear action, making it ideal for those who enjoy feedback and reliability in their typing. The Silent Sakura, however, champions a quieter and ultra-light touch, appealing to individuals seeking discretion and comfort with minimal force. Although both switches share the linear characteristic, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile interaction or a serene and gentle typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios play a critical role. If you prioritize smooth and reliable performance without compromising on sound, the Everfree Cedar may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a satisfying and poppy sound profile during your typing sessions. This switch is well-suited for general use, gaming, and those who appreciate an engaging auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you're a light typist who values a serene and whisper-quiet environment, the Silent Sakura - 43g is likely the better fit. With its ultra-light bottom out force and gentle sound reminiscent of raindrops, this switch is perfect for office settings or late-night work without disturbing others. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you want a more pronounced sound and feedback or a smooth, silent experience as you type.
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