Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Splash Brothers present compelling options for enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. The Everfree Cedar switches are celebrated for their smooth and reliable performance, offering a cost-effective solution for those who appreciate a satisfying, poppy sound profile while typing. Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers, inspired by the dynamic basketball duo, boast a unique design featuring a shorter activation point and a long pole stem that contributes to their distinctively creamy sound signature and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches fall under the linear category, making them ideal for users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Splash Brothers have a significant similarity in their housing materials, both employing polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice leads to a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness, a higher pitch, and clarity due to the material's rigidity. Polycarbonate's translucency not only enhances the switch's aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in lighting setups, particularly with RGB lighting. Both switches, owing to their clear polycarbonate top housings, will produce a resonant sound that is suitable for users who appreciate a vibrant auditory feedback, especially while typing or gaming.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches showcases nylon, a classic choice known for its unique acoustic properties. The nylon construction contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the crisper sounds generated by the polycarbonate top. The softer nature of nylon allows the material to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sensation when bottoming out. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when pressing both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Splash Brothers, as the feelings and sounds associated with each switch's bottom housing will create a pronounced tonal balance when keys are pressed.
Ultimately, while both switches utilize the same materials for their respective positions in the housing, the combined effects of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both models create a cohesive typing experience. The distinct sound profiles generated by each material will interact, resulting in a blend of sharpness and depth when using either switch. Therefore, users can anticipate similar auditory feedback across both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and Jwick Splash Brothers, despite the variations in branding and design, ensuring a satisfying performance whether for casual typing or intense gaming sessions.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everfree switch has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, which indicates that it requires a moderately heavier push to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Everfree switch is unspecified, leaving us without a concrete measure for how hard it pushes back when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is relatively light, but its actuation force is not disclosed. Consequently, we cannot directly compare their actuation forces, although the known bottom out force of the Splash Brothers indicates that it may provide a lighter overall typing experience than the Cedar, which could be preferable for users favoring longer typing sessions or gaming. Thus, while the Everfree is deemed heavier due to its known actuation force, the actual user experience will greatly depend on the undisclosed actuation force of the Jwick switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find that they differ slightly in travel distance. The Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cedar switch provides a bit more depth when pressed, which can contribute to a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer that feeling. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for more rapid key presses. For those who enjoy a more responsive touch, the Splash Brothers comes out as the better option, while the Everfree Cedar might be favored by individuals who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, you'll find distinct characteristics. The Everfree Cedar delivers a satisfying, poppy sound that adds a tactile dimension to typing, making it a joy to use for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch features a creamy sound signature that combines a neutral quality with moderate volume levels. This yields a sound profile that is unobtrusive and ideal for both home and office settings, providing a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Everfree Cedar is more engaging, while the Splash Brothers keeps it low-key.
Regarding the feel, the Everfree Cedar is heralded for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a seamless keypress experience that is enjoyable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers incorporate various feel descriptors, such as "mild" for a more gentle typing experience and "snappy" for responsiveness that energizes each keystroke. Additionally, the bouncy nature of the Switch means you'll feel a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience, providing a lively sensation with every press. These switches also boast subtle yet polished characteristics that ensure a refined feel, making them approachable for users of all skill levels.
In summary, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches bring unique attributes to the table. The Everfree Cedar offers a satisfying sound experience paired with smooth performance, ideal for those seeking an engaging auditory sensation. Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers offer a more diverse typing feel with its responsive and toned-down sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. If you choose either switch, you can expect positive results based on their respective strengths, allowing you to find a perfect match for your mechanical keyboard preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a cost-effective option that offers a smooth and reliable typing experience for everyday tasks, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be your best bet; it is designed to deliver a satisfying feedback with its poppy sound profile, making it great for a relaxed typing environment. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a bit more dynamic and responsive, especially for fast-paced gaming or an engaging typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers could be more suited to your needs. With its shorter actuation points and snappy response, it offers a lively feel that’s both creamy and pleasant while delivering performance suited for action-packed sessions. Additionally, should you require a switch that maintains a moderate sound profile and feel—making it friendly for shared spaces—the Splash Brothers excels in that regard as well. Ultimately, selecting the right switch will enhance your typing experience, whether you lean towards the smoothness of the Everfree (EF) Cedar or the energetic feedback of the Splash Brothers.
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