Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the differences in feel and sound can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch stands out as a budget-friendly option that delivers smooth and reliable performance, providing users with a satisfying, poppy sound profile that makes for a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch captivates users with its unique Creamsicle hue and a rich, bassy sound evoking the delightful clattering of mahjong tiles. Its medium weight suits a broader audience and ensures versatility, while the short travel and long-pole design promise a sharp and highly responsive touch. Both switches cater to different preferences—while the Everfree Cedar offers an economical yet enjoyable experience, the Sunset Yellow elevates typing to an indulgent art form. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, it's clear that there are significant differences in the chosen plastics for the top housings. The EF Cedar employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance, producing a higher-pitched and crisper audio profile. This material benefits users who prioritize RGB lighting, as its translucence allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound profile. The choice of POM in this switch aims for a unique auditory experience that leans toward a more subdued and rounded output, demonstrating a divergent approach in auditory design.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches reveals a shared characteristic that contributes to their sound profiles. The Everfree Cedar utilizes nylon, which is a classic material known for its softer composition. This softness aids in generating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow relies on POM again for its bottom housing, which also creates a muted sound experience similar to its top housing. In this case, the differences in materials in the top housing don't lead to a vastly distinct auditory outcome, as both utilize softer materials in the bottom housing to achieve a grounded sound profile.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the two switches yield different auditory characteristics at the peak of the keypress, focusing on clarity with the EF Cedar and depth with the Sunset Yellow. However, due to the nylon bottom of the Cedar and the POM bottom of the Sunset Yellow both introducing a deeper sound profile, players using either switch will experience a somewhat muted, richer bottom-out sound. The distinct combination of each switch's materials emphasizes the interplay between top and bottom housings, ultimately leading to an engaging typing experience that maintains certain sonic similarities despite their differing physical compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sunset Yellow is lighter at 43 grams. This variance suggests that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the Sunset Yellow, as it requires less force to actuate. However, since the bottom out force for the Cedar is unknown, we can't directly compare it to the Sunset Yellow's bottom out force of 51 grams. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the Everglide Sunset Yellow would be the preferable choice, whereas the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a firmer push, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. This difference means that if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced feel and depth when typing, the Everfree Cedar would be the better choice. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance may offer quicker response times, which can be particularly appealing to gamers. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you value the deeper, more tactile experience of the longer travel or the speedy immediacy of the shorter 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, which can be quite engaging and enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback. Its performance is characterized by a reliable and consistent sound that adds to the typing experience without being overly aggressive. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch produces a captivating sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, described as deep and bassy, with an element of thockiness. This rich sound creates a more indulgent and immersive typing atmosphere, appealing to those who prefer a deeper auditory feedback during key presses.
In terms of feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is known for its smooth and reliable performance, which allows for comfortable typing, but specific descriptors for its tactile sensation are not provided. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch is characterized by a creamy, frictionless feel that offers an effortless typing experience. This smooth and buttery sensation, enhanced by the unique Ly stem and factory lubrication, contributes to a captivating tactile feedback. The combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem in the Sunset Yellow ensures sharp and responsive key presses, elevating the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches have their distinct sound and feel profiles, both options cater to different preferences in a typing experience. The Everfree Cedar offers a more subdued and poppy sound with a reliable feel, while the Sunset Yellow provides a mesmerizingly bassy sound accompanied by an exceptionally smooth and responsive tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you’re seeking an engaging auditory experience and an effortlessly smooth typing sensation, the Everglide Sunset Yellow would be the ideal choice. In contrast, if you prefer a more straightforward, reliable switch, the Everfree Cedar could be the better fit for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch largely hinges on your preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as how you intend to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and reliable performance without any extra weight, the Everfree (EF) Cedar may be more appealing for you, especially if you enjoy a more subtle sound profile that is soft and poppy, making it an excellent option for everyday use or quieter environments. Conversely, if you appreciate a richer audio experience and favor a medium-light resistance while typing, the Sunset Yellow is likely the better option. Its captivating bassy sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel can make typing feel indulgent and enjoyable, making it well-suited for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, so consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s smooth performance with the Everfree Cedar or the rich auditory feedback and tactile experience of the Sunset Yellow—as you make your decision.
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