Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options stand out: the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both linear switches designed to offer a unique typing experience. The Everfree Cedar is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance and cost-effectiveness, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious users who still desire a satisfying and poppy sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, is lauded for its carefully crafted materials that deliver a subtle top-out sensation along with a pleasing clack, all enhanced by the excellent factory lubrication characteristic of HMX switches. While the Everfree Cedar prioritizes affordability and reliability, the Sunset Gleam tends to attract those who appreciate a high-quality build and distinctive auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Sunset Gleam are both equipped with polycarbonate top housings, which yield similar acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that improves the resonance of the switch. This shared characteristic makes both switches excellent choices for users looking to enhance their typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The translucence of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion, ensuring that both switches deliver an eye-catching visual performance alongside their acoustic attributes.
While both switches feature the same polycarbonate material at the top, they utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a contrasting sound quality. The nylon material is known for its softer characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, providing a rounder and more muted acoustic feedback. Consequently, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Sunset Gleam will offer a unique typing experience; however, users can expect a deeper bottoming-out sound and feel from both switches, making them equally engaging to type on thanks to the nylon material's ability to absorb noise.
In summary, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Sunset Gleam share similar polycarbonate top housings that contribute to crisp sound profiles and attractive RGB lighting capabilities, their nylon bottom housings create a balanced auditory experience that highlights the unique qualities of each material. The interplay between the stiff polycarbonate and the softer nylon results in a harmonious blend of sound characteristics, where the top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the bottom housing softens the overall typing experience. This combination ensures that both switches will provide satisfying feedback, making them appealing options for different user preferences in keyboard sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Everfree Cedar has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Sunset Gleam, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam, while those desiring a stronger push feel may prefer the Everfree Cedar. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown, while the Sunset Gleam's bottom out force is specified at 48 grams, indicating that it offers a definitive resistance when fully depressed. Ultimately, if the bottom out force of the Everfree Cedar were known and aligned closely with the Sunset Gleam, it could result in similar tactile experiences; however, the available information emphasizes the Sunset Gleam's lighter characteristics overall.
Travel distance
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm indicates that the Everfree (EF) Cedar is the longer option, providing a more pronounced key press experience. For gamers who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and traditional feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar with its longer travel distance could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics, catering to varied preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 offers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, characteristic of Gateron's reliable engineering. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch features a subtle top-out sound combined with a satisfying clack, a hallmark of HMX's commitment to quality. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences; however, the specific sound will also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps used, meaning users might find some commonality in the overall sound profile despite inherent differences.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is noted for its smooth and reliable performance, which often translates to a fluid typing experience, ideal for those who prefer rapid key presses without any hindrance. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam switch incorporates factory lubrication, enhancing its smoothness as well and contributing to a delightful tactile experience. While both switches are linear, the combination of materials and the craftsmanship behind the Sunset Gleam may provide a slightly different sensation under the fingers compared to the Cedar, even though both aim for a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches present valuable options for keyboard enthusiasts, each bringing distinct sound and feel qualities to the table. The Cedar is known for its poppy sound and smooth performance, while the Sunset Gleam is characterized by its subtle top-out and satisfying clack alongside superior lubrication. Ultimately, while there are unique aspects to each switch that can appeal to different users, they both aim to deliver satisfying, reliable performance, ensuring that newcomers will find enjoyment in whichever option they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that provides a smooth, reliable performance at a more accessible price point, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent option. Its poppy sound profile and satisfying feel make it a great fit for everyday typing and casual gaming, especially if you prefer a switch that feels seamless and effortless under your fingers. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier press for more tactile feedback and enjoy a subtle top-out with a satisfying clack, the Sunset Gleam would be more suitable for you. Its excellent factory lube ensures a premium feel, enhancing both performance and acoustics for those who want a richer typing experience. Ultimately, whether you value that smooth, light glide of the Everfree Cedar or the stable, satisfying heft of the Sunset Gleam will guide your decision, so consider how each aligns with your typical keyboard use for the best experience.
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