Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to personal typing style and tactile feedback. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is a linear switch renowned for its smooth and reliable performance, offering a satisfying poppy sound profile that makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or audible clicks. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, known for its cozy aesthetic, provides a delightful typing experience with a snappy, medium level of tactility and crisp clacks that appeal to users who enjoy a more interactive feel with each keystroke. While the Everfree Cedar might be ideal for gamers seeking speed and fluidity, the Taro switch caters to typists who appreciate a tactile response and satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its rigid structure, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound when typing. This characteristic contributes to a sound that is clearer and more resonant, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisp auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially when RGB lighting is employed, allowing a vibrant glow to shine through. Therefore, both the Everfree Cedar and Jwick Taro share the advantage of producing a bright sound and striking visual effects under lighting conditions.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a distinctly different auditory experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material's acoustic properties result in a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound compared to the top housing's sound. This combination of a crisper top housing with a more subdued bottom housing allows users to experience a diverse sound spectrum when typing: the quick snap of the key release coupled with the softer popup gives a layered auditory feedback. Therefore, despite using different materials for the top and bottom, both switches create a harmonious balance between sharpness and depth in sound.
When considering the overall typing experience of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Jwick Taro, the interaction of both housing materials plays a pivotal role. Since the top housing primarily influences the sound profile on key release and the bottom housing impacts the sound and feel of bottoming out, both switches take advantage of their respective materials to create a unique typing sensation. Users can expect similar auditory results due to the shared properties of polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom, making both models appealing options for those looking for distinct sound feedback while typing. As a result, users will enjoy a cohesive and layered sound output, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces which can influence user preference. The Everfree Cedar has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, making it relatively lightweight and promoting longer typing sessions, which is ideal for users who prioritize comfort, such as those working in an office or engaging in extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Cedar is unknown, so we cannot fully assess the typing experience at maximum key travel. In contrast, the Jwick Taro features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is also unspecified. While the Everfree Cedar is the lighter option regarding the known actuation force, without the complete data for the Taro's actuation force, it is challenging to draw a precise conclusion about the overall typing experience between the two switches. If the Taro's actuation force were comparable or lighter, it could potentially offer a balance of comfort and substantial feedback, but as it stands, the Cedar is the lighter choice based solely on the actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, a notable difference exists: the Everfree Cedar features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although both distances are relatively close, the longer distance of the Taro may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who prefer more depth in their keypresses. This contrasts with the Everfree Cedar, which offers a shorter travel distance that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor a snappier action, the Everfree Cedar is the better option, whereas the Taro might be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 linear switch offers a satisfying, poppy profile that enhances the tactile experience without being overwhelming. It's not overly loud, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a productive environment. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch produces acute and crisp clacks, which brings a distinct auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. This neutral sound profile means the Taro can be versatile enough for both casual use and more serious applications, catering to both beginners and advanced typists alike.
When it comes to feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar is designed for smoothness, delivering a reliable linear experience that appeals to typists who prefer a consistent keystroke without interruptions. This switch is perfect for those who want a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch features a more complex sensation with its combination of buttery fluidity and stepped tactility. The buttery feel allows for an effortless keystroke, while the stepped tactile feedback provides a mild distinction between the stages of the keystroke, making it especially enjoyable for those who appreciate the nuance of tactile switches.
In summary, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Everfree Cedar focuses on smooth operation with a poppy sound, the Taro offers a more pronounced acoustic experience and a combination of tactile sensations. Together, they represent the diversity in mechanical keyboard switches, allowing users to choose based on personal preference, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or a blend of both.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value smoothness, reliability, and a cost-effective option, the Everfree Cedar is an excellent choice, especially for those who prefer a linear experience with a satisfying sound profile. It's ideal for users who enjoy a quieter typing experience without significant tactile feedback and prefer the fluidity that linear switches provide—great for both gaming and typing tasks where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile sensation that enhances your typing experience, the Jwick Taro would be more suitable. Its medium-heavy actuation force and crisp sound output deliver a snappy response, making it an enjoyable option for those who like tactile feedback while typing. The buttery smooth keystroke paired with the mild, stepped tactility makes it perfect for users who want to feel each keystroke without overpowering bumps. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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